Gordon Grdina's Haram at The Vault

Gordon Grdina’s Haram

Juno Award winner Gordon Grdina formed Haram in 2008 as a large

ensemble vehicle to interpret classic Arabic repertoire. The group started with Iraqi

folk music and the great era of Egyptian radio music in which Oum Khalsoum and

Farid Al Atrash reigned. It has since expanded to incorporate the classic Sudanese

and Persian repertoire. These pieces are lovingly reinterpreted with an ensemble

half studied in the tradition and half in avant-garde improvisation. This blend of

traditions is what gives Haram its unique sound.

Through improvisation and arrangement the band keeps alive the spirit and

Tarab inherent within the compositions. These time-tested pieces are blown wide

open by the ensemble mixing elements of noise, electronic soundscape, and free

improvisation. The music has developed to the state of effortless cohesion mixed

with wild abandon conjuring up a sense of respect and homage while being

explosively self-expressive. Haram is a powerhouse ensemble playing a repertoire

that has been revered by millions.

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