Bridging Seas and Sounds: The Cuban Khaleeji Project With Ghazi and Boom.Diwan X Arturo O'Farrill Live
A Harmonious Fusion of Kuwaiti Pearl Diving Songs and Afro-Latin Jazz
The music world is abuzz with the release of "Ghazi and Boom.Diwan X Arturo O'Farrill Live in the Khaleej!" earlier this month. This landmark album showcases the Cuban Khaleeji Project, an innovative collaboration between Kuwaiti ensemble Boom.Diwan, led by Ghazi Faisal Al-Mulaifi, and the acclaimed Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, directed by eight-time Grammy Award-winner Arturo O'Farrill. The album, recorded live, represents a pioneering fusion of traditional Kuwaiti pearl diving songs with the vibrant rhythms of Afro-Latin jazz. This unique musical blend has already captivated audiences worldwide, bridging cultural divides and showcasing the universal language of music. The Cultural Confluence
At the heart of this musical endeavor lies a rich tapestry of cultural exchange. Ghazi Al-Mulaifi, a Kuwaiti-American applied-ethnomusicologist and professor of music at NYU Abu Dhabi, founded Boom.Diwan in 2017.
The ensemble's name itself is symbolic: "Boom" refers to the most important ship in Kuwait used for pearl diving and merchant trade, while "Diwan" represents the traditional space where Kuwaiti seafaring music is preserved and passed on.
Arturo O'Farrill, born in Mexico and raised in New York, brings his extensive experience in Afro-Latin jazz to the project. As the founder and Artistic Director of the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance, O'Farrill has been at the forefront of advancing Afro-Latin music through performance, education, and preservation.
The Musical Journey
The Cuban Khaleeji Project is a testament to the migratory force of music. As O'Farrill eloquently puts it: "Cuba meets Khaleeji perfectly captures the idea that music is a migratory force, the music we call jazz or Afro Cuban jazz is informed by the far east, the middle east, south Asia and filtered through Mother Africa."
The rhythmic complexity of the project is particularly fascinating. O'Farrill discovered that khaleeji music carries vestigial African influences, with many rhythms featuring 12/8 time signatures that echo ancient African musical practices. This musical exploration goes beyond mere performance, serving as a powerful narrative of human connection, migration, and cultural resilience.
The Performance
The album's tracks, each a unique exploration of cultural confluence, have been brought to life in electrifying live performances. "Muneera," with its Khaleeji rhumba rhythm, has become a crowd favorite. In live settings, Al-Mulaifi's brittle guitar work opens the piece, setting the stage for a polyrhythmic groove that evolves into an Afro-Latin tempo. O'Farrill's piano solos, supported by Liany Mateo's bass and Jasper Shogo Dutz's clarinet, often bring audiences to their feet. The contemplative "Utviklingsaang," a tribute to O'Farrill's late mentor Carla Bley, showcases the ensemble's ability to navigate more subdued territories. In concert, this piece allows for moments of introspection amidst the high-energy performance. "Compay Doug" has become a highlight of their live shows, with O'Farrill's slow, Latin-tinged opening giving way to extended solos and improvisations. The interplay between Al-Mulaifi's guitar and Dutz's clarinet during the closing moments often leaves audiences breathless. Through their live performances, Ghazi & Boom.Diwan X Arturo O'Farrill are not just entertaining; they're weaving a new tapestry of sound that bridges continents and generations, proving that music truly is a universal language.
Looking Ahead for Ghazi and Boom.Diwan X Arturo O'Farrill Live
As we approach the performance date, anticipation builds for this extraordinary musical experience. The Cuban Khaleeji Project not only entertains but also serves as a powerful reminder of music's ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. In the words of Arturo O'Farrill, this project demonstrates that "culture, especially music, is more powerful than geography, governance, nationalism, and even more powerful than hatred and oppression. For more information, visit www.boomdiwan.com and www.linktr.ee/boom.diwan.