Sam Shahin: First Video from World Premier of Barakat — “Beit Beirut”
We were thrilled in February to help announce Barakat, the new project from Sam Shahin Sam Shahin, the powerhouse drummer for New Orleans jazz fusion band Naughty Professor. Barakat is the meeting of jazz and modern Arabic classical music. The world premier was held April 10 at at Marigny Opera House in New Orleans. As you will hear in this first look at the hypnotic beauty of the music of that evening, Shahin’s compositions dive into his Middle Eastern heritage to take the listener on an exploration of global music ranging from the spirit of New Orleans jazz to the Arabic soundscapes of the Levant.
We will let Shahin set the stage properly:
There are many reasons I chose the name “Barakat” for this project, but chief among them is that it is the last name my Sittee (grandmother) was born with, and because it means “blessings” in Arabic. I feel blessed to do what I do for a living, as I can’t personally think of a way to add more beauty to the world than to present humanity through music.
At the concert where we recorded this, a young man approached me to chat. He told me he was also Arab-American (half Arab half white), raised in the South, and HIS Sittee was born with the last name Barakat as well. I was blown away. As we briefly shared stories and asked about each other’s lives, I remained in joyous shock at the commonalities between us. It was truly a special moment.
Music is here to unite us. Music is here to connect us. Music is innate to humanity. Music is a blessing.
BARAKAT
Musicians: Sam Shahin (drums, darbouka, composer)
Raja Kassis (guitar)
Sam Kuslan (keys)
Calvin Morin-Martin (bass)
Oscar Rossignoli (piano)
*Cassie Watson Francillon appears in video but is not featured on this song
Audio recorded by Rick Roppolo
Additional audio production by Vince Winik and Sam Shahin
Video by Sydni Jones for Romans Film + Video
From a live performance of the world premiere of two suites: “Taawila Sittee” and “Aura” recorded at Marigny Opera House in New Orleans, LA on April 10th, 2024. This release comes on the birthday of the composer’s mother, Jessica Shahin. Happy Birthday, Mama!
This is just the first look at this remarkable event. We look forward to more videos — and more live performances!
BRAVO, SAM SHAHIN!
Sam Shahin
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