Tag Archives: Hossam Ramzy

Dancers’ Newsletter Extra Features – Belly Surfing #2

Guest post!

Salutations from Renee D.

Last week I had mentioned the name Hossam Ramzy who was the friend and fellow performer of Samy El Bably. Hossam is by far the most recognized percussionist of the Middle East and he has written, performed and directed with the some of the world’s best musicians.

 

Serena and Hossam Ramzy
Serena and Hossam Ramzy

 

 

You might ask yourself, where has the illustrious musical master been lurking and if he’s so famous, why haven’t I heard his music? Astonishingly enough, he’s already been on your radio, in your DVD collection, in your CD collection, in your belly dance class or at a dance recital!

There is so much information about Hossam on the internet that it’s almost impossible to find a dead end. Interestingly, the paramount feature on Hossam’s website is dedicated to his wife Serena Ramzy, an outstanding belly dancer. You can watch her perform on Youtube below!

Here are a few websites to start your journey. Just click on the words to check them out!

Hossam’s Website

Hossam Ramzy on last.fm

 Audio clip on Youtube – not a video, but the music is great

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DolZVibZNak]

Dancers’ Newsletter Extra Feature – Guest post!

Please welcome Renee and her first contribution to the new Dancer’s Newsletter Extra Features!

Bellysurfing


Salutations from Renee D    

My journey with belly dancing began last year.  Every Friday a group of women meet at a local bead store.  We sit around and chat, admire each other’s work and talk about the world.  
 
In early April, one of our ladies was working on a marvellous belt that was pieced together with jump rings, coins and metal fishing lures. Gradually, one question lead into another and before you could say jackrabbit I was taking my first belly dance class. 
 
Apart from all the obvious elements that make belly dancing so spectacular, I quickly became aware of the music.  Unexpectedly, I discovered fresh tempos mingling together with age-old instruments that absolutely compelled my body to move.
 
I rapidly searched my CD collection to find this “new to me” sound. Fortunately, I did have some examples but I realized that I needed a broader variety and this is where I started my Bellysurfing.
 
I’ll begin this exposé with the late legendary Egyptian trumpeter Samy El Bably. Critiques describe his style “as woozy, sinuous and sometimes beguilingly sleepy.” According to the world famous percussionist and friend Hossam Ramzy, “He made this western style horn speak like a Nay flute mixed in with a singing violin with a mixture of an Armenian Duduk without the slightest change to the instrument itself.” Oddly enough, there is very little information on his life yet he was considered the Miles Davis of the Middle East.
 
As obscure as this musician is, you might be surprised to know that many of you are already dancing to his music!! Instructor Julie Tierney often plays the track Asrar El Ein from the Cairo Nights: Bellydance Bar CD, in her warm-ups.  Want to listen?  Just click to this link: http://www.maqam.com/store/p/1210-Cairo-Nights-Bellydance-Bar.html#Samples and select PREVIEW. Asrar El Ein is the first track but do have a snoop around the samples.  If you like what you hear, you can order this CD either on the internet with a reliable seller or place an order at Chapters.
  cairo-nights

 

 

 

“We don’t know who we are until we can see what we can do” -MARTHA GRIMES
  
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