Jamey with the Assad Brothers, Clarice Assad and Christiane Karam – the “Back to Our Roots” ensemble
a program entitled, “Da Volta as Raizes” (Back to
originality and orchestration on my part. Midway
Our Roots). I had worked with all of them before
through the tour, percussionist Keita Ogawa joined
along with Badi Assad, the younger sister of the
us and added a percussive flavor that brought it to a
brothers. Like me they are 100% Lebanese and have a
new level. The Assad family to a person has
similar affinity for their Arabic musical roots. This
extremely high musical standards and I am grateful
particular project focused on the many major
for any chance to share music with them. That
Brazilian composers who are of Arabic ancestry and
meeting sparked a musical relationship between
Lebanese in particular. Along with the music of
Clarice and Keita, and they have recently record some
Egberto Gismonti and Joao Bosco to name a few,
of her compositions.
the Assad family penned a handful of beautiful music
as well. The band sounded elegant and was very
You have performed on a number of occasions in
explicit on one hand, but there was plenty of room for
Lebanon. What were some of the most memorable
aspects of these occasions for you?