Customer Reviews

Randana

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These three brothers play the traditional, Middle Eastern Oud and bring joy and laughter to a diverse audience. They use the Oud, an Arabic instrument with a long history and many associations, to create new sounds that move you in a ways you'd never think possible. Their music is hypnotic!

I saw the Joubran brothers in the 2005 documentary "Improvisation" by Raed Andoni at the Palestinian Film Festival. The trio, headed by the eldest brother Samir, is amazing. They compose and arrange their own music as well as the middle brother, Wissam, who is also great craftsman of the oud. The Joubran brothers bring an intensity to their playing which undoubtedly is felt by anyone listening to them. Highly recommended.

I've had the pleasure of working with Le Trio Joubran and though I do love this recording, it must be said that the level of their live improvisation is something that must be experienced. The artists feed off each other and in many ways take as much from the audience. It was a beautiful thing to witness.

`Resonant humming` is the meaning of `randana,' the neologism invented by the founder of Trio Joubran, Samir Joubran, world-renowned master of the `oud.' Somewhere between an Italian mandolin and Spanish guitar in terms of its sound, the `oud' is a unique instrument capable of rare and unearthly tones. Its spare and slightly tinny echoes can be heard in many a film soundtrack, `Babel' and `Days of Glory,' to name a few.

As far as albums go, `Randana' is a spartan affair with only five songs total. Yet, each of the five blends to form a haunting and tranquilizing whole that mesmerizes with its austere beauty.

The masterful oud playing of Samir and his two brothers, Adnan and Wissam, transports the listener to the rocky hillocks and emerald valleys of their native Galilee. The Joubran family originates from Nazareth. Yet, `Randana` is much more than exotic ear candy redolent of olive trees and Bedouin tents. Rather, the oud's piercing twang reminds one of various Chinese and Japanese stringed instruments. The sparse and mournful rhythms of these five songs provide a soothing and reflective atmosphere for the listener.

For those interested in world music, Trio Joubran`s `Randana' is a must buy.

This reissued and world distribution of the first album of Adnan, Wissam, and Samir Joubran's oud explorations as a trio fall into the realm between formal taqsim and jazz improvisation. As the family of the Romeros had issued group classical Spanish guitar recordings, these Palestinian brothers from Nazareth are developing a new musical sound. Oud duets are not new, but a trio offers greater ability for arrangements and harmony. Such tracks as Shagaf and Safar demonstrate such symphony-like capacity. Is this jazz? Is this Arabic music? Is this classical chamber music? The Joubran Trio has a feeling for all, and they bring us to emotional and intellectual heights. There is much profundity in their performance, helped by their understanding of pregnant pauses and the power of the space between notes. The last track is a live recording from a concert in Ramallah, in which Samir Joubran sing a popular tune of Mohamed Abdel Wahab, with lyrics by Hussein El Sayed. Listen and enjoy this highly satisfying and innovative album.