Gilgamesh – Tigris Nights (Etnisk Musikklubb, 2008)
Gilgamesh, an innovative world music project, features the collaboration of two talented Iraqi musicians, Amir Saion and Hassan Albadri, and a guest instrumentalist from Norway, Øivind Stømer. The project’s second album, “Tigris Nights,” released in 2008 under the Etnisk Musikklubb label, presents the instrumental and vocal prowess of the artists.
Amir Saion, born in Baghdad, began his musical journey at 12, playing the darbuka, a percussion instrument. Later, at 15, he began playing the oud, a stringed instrument used in Middle Eastern music. Amir has been a professional musician since he turned 17 and holds a degree from the academy of music in Baghdad. In 2000, he migrated to Norway, where he met Hassan Albadri by chance in a hair salon in 2003, leading to the formation of their musical partnership. On the “Tigris Nights” album, Amir plays the oud and the darbuka, and his vocal contributions are in Arabic.
Hassan Albadri, hailing from Basrah, also in Iraq, started playing the oud when he was 18 years old. However, Hassan’s musical abilities extend beyond playing instruments, as he also writes lyrics and composes music. He studied theater at the Basrah university and was part of the poem association in his hometown. In 2001, he had to leave his country, and he eventually settled in Norway, where he joined the Bergen-based music group Naheddi in 2005, releasing his first album with them. Hassan left the group in 2006 and later teamed up with Amir to form Gilgamesh. On “Tigris Nights,” Hassan plays the oud and provides Arabic vocals, in addition to creating some of the album’s songs.
Øivind Stømer, the guest musician on “Tigris Nights,” is a Norwegian music conservatory alumnus. He has worked as a freelance musician and instrument teacher for eight years and has performed alongside famous musicians such as Oscar Peterson-guitarist Ulf Wakenius and Inger Marie Gundersen. He has also collaborated with Kirsten Bråten Berg, a renowned folk music singer, and is a member of the Bergen-based cinematic funk fusion band “Funktioneers.”
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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.