Mohammad Gomar was born in Diala, Iraq. He has a degree in Musicology from the University of Baghdad. Mohammad Gomar founded and leads the Iraqi Maqam Ensemble. The group – despite its forced domicile in Holland- maintains its stature as one of the finest performers of Iraqi classical music. The Iraqi Maqam Ensemble features the great singer Farida Ali.
Mohammad’s work on the coconut spiked fiddle known as joza earned him the Iraqi byline: “Father of the joza.” On the ud his playing reflects many of the same qualities that made his teacher Munir Bashir the greatest player of the fretless lute of his generation.
Discography:
South Of No Border (Loplop, 1999)
Mawal & Maqamat Iraqi (New Samarkand Records, 2000)
Departure – Iraqi Songs Of Love And Longing (Solyluna, 2001)
Ishraqaat (Snail Records, 2005)
Munir Bashir And Iraqi Traditional Music Ensemble (Le Chant Du Monde, 2005)
Sun Of Iraq: New Iraqi Poetry (Papyros, 2009)
Les Croisades: Musique Arabe Au Temps Des Croisades (Arab Music From The Time Of The Crusaders) (Le Chant Du Monde, 2011)
Jozza And Jazz (Music & Words)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
