Raqsat Katya CD Demo

Raqsat Katya is a compilation of fourteen tracks made for Raqs Sharqi, or traditional Arabic “bellydance”, and highlights the Arab-American musicians of Detroit. The aim of this CD is to present the authentic Arab music that is played in the largest Arab American community in North America. This CD includes classics from legendary artists of the Arab world such as Abdel Halim Hafiz, and Farid Al Atrash, as well as an original khaleeji composition, many tabla drum solos, and taqsims, or solo melodic improvisations. Some of the instruments used are oud, guitar, qanun, saxophone, accordion and violin, as well as full Arabic and khaleeji percussion. A portion of the proceeds for the sales of some of the tracks will be donated to humanitarian relief charities in the Middle East: “Damascus Blues” to the Syrian Refugee crisis; “Johar” to the Iraqi crisis; and “Raqs Al Shams” to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund.

Musicians who performed on the album are Nader Harb, Roger Kashou, Ons Boukraa, Kamal Kareem, Nasser Haddad, Emad Ibrahim, John Hammonds, Basil Ahmad, Elias Kilzi, and Sair Dandan. Iraqi percussion has been recorded by world famous drummer, Anmar Almokhtar. Accordion track has been recorded by Arab pop singer, Emad Batayeh. Nay and mizmar recorded by National Arab Orchestra director, Michael Ibrahim.

Katya Faris is a bellydance artist of American descent, of both European and Native American backgrounds, but fell in love with the music from the Middle East as a child when her sister moved to Iran. She then learned the differences between Arab, Persian and Turkish music and dance, and decided to pursue more knowledge in academia, and as a professional dancer. As a dance scholar with a Master’s degree in ethnomusicology she is first a musician who grew up in her church’s choir, and so she wanted to learn straight from the diaspora communities of the Middle East. This passion for music and dance of the Arab world has led to forming a strong friendship with her music producer, Nader Harb, who then invited several members of the Arab music community of Detroit into the project. The result is a rich tapestry of traditional instruments displaying the culture of their ancestors, but has a contemporary vibe that will appeal to many people.
The CD is available at all of the major online music stores;

On Amazon:
https://amzn.com/B01M0LBFX6

In the iTunes Store:
https://itun.es/us/EYDffb

To learn more about this CD and future projects, please contact:

Nader Harb, music producer: modamusic@aol.com
Katya Faris, co-producer: katya@katyafaris.com

Видео Raqsat Katya CD Demo канала Katya Faris