“It definitely sounds like a demon or a crazed spirit let loose in the house of a master musician.  The soundtrack to an ancient tale gone horribly wrong.“ — John Schoen (Uncomfortable Communications / WAYO)

Clocking in at 25 minutes (cut at 45RPM), Jinn-Blossom consists of nine tracks of two masters of their respective instruments; Sam Shalabi showcasing his expertise on the oud, a Middle Eastern, short-neck, fretless stringed instrument, and chik white, exercising (or exorcizing) his vocal chords and mouth shapes to produce some of the most fascinating and confusing music hitting the bins. 

Is there a genre in existence that would fit this release? Maybe simply experimental or avant-garde. And to do a track-for-track break-down would be fruitless. This is a collection that interweaves, and is somewhat a set of permutations on a theme. 

“Jinn (Arabic: جِنّ), also romanized as djinn or anglicized as genies, are supernatural beings in Islam, ancient Arabian religion and Arabic folklore and mythology. Like humans, they are accountable for their deeds and can be either believers (Mu'minun) or unbelievers (kuffar), depending on whether they accept God's guidance.” — wikipedia

Jinns are neither innately evil nor innately good, but “…upon being disturbed or harmed by humans, they usually retaliate in kind, with the most drastic interactions leading them to possess the assailant's body, thus requiring exorcism.” 

Sam’s playing creates a vehicle for chik’s voice to travel from listener to listener, letting them decide their intentions, whether they are here to meddle, or just co-exist with us. Its up to the listener on how to react, and potentially choosing the outcome of the interaction.  

Artist Info:

Sam Shalabi is an Egyptian-Canadian composer and improviser, living in Montreal, Quebec. Beginning his musical path in punk rock in the late 70s, his work has evolved into a fusion of experimental Arabic Music that incorporates traditional Arabic, Shaabi, noise, classical, text, free improvisation, electronics and jazz. He has released 13 solo albums, 6 albums with Shalabi Effect, a free improvisation quartet that bridges western psychedelic music and Arabic Maqam and 4 albums with Land Of Kush (an experimental 30 member orchestra, for which he composes). He has appeared on over 60 albums and toured Europe, North America and North Africa. Recent projects include Dwarfs Of East Agouza, a Cairo based trio with Alan Bishop and Maurice Louca - EEG Coherence - a quartet with Brahja Waldman, Morgan Moore and Liam O Neil, and Collateral, a trio with Norm Adams and Tim Crofts. Forthcoming albums are Khawaga a composition for 7 musicians and a live album on Egyptian label NASHAZPHONE. He has also composed music for over 30 films in North America, Europe and The Middle East (with 2 - The Amina Profile and Aramat being shortlisted for The Academy Awards).

chik white is the alias of Darcy Spidle, an improviser based in Nova Scotia, Canada. His unpredictable, visceral performances explore freeform voice, guitar, and jaw harp. He has released dozens of albums and tours regularly, with appearances at festivals including Colour Out of Space (UK), Jauna Muzika (Lithuania), and Guelph Jazz Festival (Canada).