Maqam of the Week Poll

Hey guys, since no one else voted in favor of Saba, might as well give the maqams and see what people would vote for (heik el sha3b baddou). Anyways, this poll will hold till 1st of November (unless extending for a couple of days is required, since not all are available in forum in short time), and then a new thread starts off...
The American president ain't better than this.. Vote now!!

Yours truly,
Basel

P.S. My vote goes for Saba

My Vote?

Maqam of the Month

Nice Poll

Hello people,

Nice poll, but what about the other maqams like Nahawand, Rast, Iraq, Husaini, and "Nakreez", ok that latter one is not very popular, buts its the one used in Warda's famous song "garrab nar el 3'era".

Also, I know the hijaz, Bayat, Saba, Ajam, but what is Huzam. This is honestly the first time i even hear that word.

I get the feeling that Saba is not really used in many songs. Nice for taqaseem, but its very sad I think. The most used maqam is definitely Bayat. It's the pop maqam for the older generations (dal3oona, sari sar el lail, wen 3aramallah, Meejana).

For a while during the ninties and until now, the prominent maqam for the pop songs, especially the 30+ ones made by El Sharnoobi, all of whom ended up on the top ten charts were all mostly Kurd, or had a significant kurd parts in it.

As for my favourite maqam!!!

Perhaps Nahawand. For some reason its hard for me to listen to taqaseem on the two major maqams that start at the Do (C), the RAst and the Ajam. I can't even listen to songs that are based on these two maqams such as zoorooni and lessa faker. It's too happy for me. I guess its a matter of personal preference.


Chris

Finally a result!!

Who said the American Presidential Elections were tougher than this?!

Finally we have a winner: SABA. Prepare ur Ouds, ears and apetite for our new Maqam of the Month thread, starting from tomorrow.

Lee I am sure u will catch on fine just as u did before, i have no doubt in ur talent nor potential

Hey Chris, a little clarification about the choice of maqams: Nahawand and Rast were already chosen before (not by vote, but as a starters since they are popular, surprisingly a wee bit more than Bayati).
As for Iraq, it is actually a variant of Sikah (starts of from B half-flat), but the most popular Sikah variant is actually Huzam (Brian did his homework ), which answers ur question.
And since I dont like any side to be a loser here, I will post for u this audio file, and I hope u enjoy it
The MOTM doesnt have to be only taksims, but discussions as well about the maqam, what maqams to modulate to and from which maqams u can modulate to it, etc... So get well prepared for Saba Peace y'all!

Basel

P.S. Zurouni is actually Ajam variant 3ashiran (3ushayran also) and it is played on Bb (flat). Just a minor detail

Hey Chris,

You make some interesting points about Saba. It is actually one of my favorite maqams too. There is something about a sweet taqsim that modulates to Saba that adds tons of tarab. At this point in the taqsim is where you hear the listeners involuntarily say an "Allah" or "Ya Salaam". You're right that it is kind of a sad maqam, but some composers have used this maqam in fun, upbeat songs. For example, Wahab's bellydance piece Saba Samer and Farido in Zeina. I will try to post these two songs in the future.

Hey Basel, Chris said he didn't like the song Lessa Faker and you dedicated it to him?! Are you trying to scare him away from the forums or what? Just kidding buddy.

Take care,
Mike

Thanks Mike,

My mentor in oud Mike,

Thanks alot bro for the reply and comments. I think that Saba is definitely a great maqam. Like many others who start playing oud, there is a moment when u frist learn this maqam. It's hard to describe. A student at that moment is like, whoa I recognize this tune/maqam, I have heard it many times before. Mostly in songs but also as a background for a sad movie or especially in Syrian series for those of us who lived back home.

It is very distinguishable. So automatically for some people, as with me, it becomes their favourite maqam. But gradually you notice that it is not used as much as the other maqams (Hijaz, Bayat.)

As for Mr. Baheleh. Thanks for the dedication.

I am not used to song dedication made by other male singers before. Nevertheless, u made me blush. Thanks anyway.

Chris

At least for MIKE

Hey fine people



Shall we settle for "Saba" maqam this month?

At least for Mike's sake since it is one of his favorite maqams.

It will also be usefull for new oud players.

What you think?


Regards,

Emad

Cool

Thanks Mike!

I will be checking these files shortly, after I leave work I am sure they are very nice. It will give me more insight into this maqam and its music and songs.


I appreciate it very much.

Chris

Awesome Music