Ayyoub
is a group of New York-based musicians, percussionists,
and dancers who are interested in exploring Arab
rhythms, folk songs and dances and fusing them with
elements from their daily life as urban immigrants,
such as spoken word, hip hop grooves, jazz and Latino
rhythms. The group is interested in portraying Arab
culture as an open and dynamic phenomenon, which
is in constant exchange and interaction with its
environment and with other cultures. The group is
also keen on seeing voice as an instrument, instead
of it being the focal point of musical performance.
Elements of dance are also integrated into some of
their compositions where footsteps, for instance,
become a percussion instrument.
Since the foundation of the group in 2003, Ayyoub
has composed a soundtrack for a documentary and performed
in various venues and festivals, such as the Inwood
Native American Festival, Balkan Music Festival,
The World Music Institute's Islamic World Festival
at Symphony Space, Bates College Intercultural Series,
and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Ayyoub is currently
planning a US-Canada tour and the recording of their
first album.
Musicians
Tareq Abboushi (Buzuq)
Taoufiq Ben Amor (Vocals, Oud and Percussion)
Ramzi Elidlibi (Percussion and Dance)
Hector Morales (Congas, Cajon and Bongos)
Uri Sharlin (Accordion)
Danny Zanker (Bass)
Guest Vocalist: Gaida