It so happens that I work at the House of Musical
Traditions in Takoma Park, MD.  Check out the webpage
for our selection of zils (finger cymbals), doumbeks, hip
scarves, ouds, frame drums, guitars, etc.
General recommendations
of artists
We also have lessons, instrument repair, sound system
rentals (with or without sound technician), instrument
rentals, and contacts with musicians for hire.


Visit my article on
Middle Eastern rhythms.
www.musicaltraditions.com
    Turkish / Turkish Roma
    Huseyin Turkmenler
    Burhan Ocal
    Ahmet Kusgoz Ve Arkadaslari
    Omar Faruk Tekbilek (Note: some
      of Tekbilek's cd's are New Age)
    Egyptian Raks Sharki
    Arabic Techno
    Other Raks Sharki
    Om Kalsoum (Om Kulthoum)
    Mohammed Ali Ensemble
    Sayed Balaha
    Gizira Band
    Sindebad
    Said Murad
    Sevag B.
    Tony Anka
    Amr Ismail
    Turbo Tabla
    Hossam Ramzi (Egyptian American)
    George Abdo (Boston)
    Laco Tayfa (Turkish jazz/fusion)
    Raquy Danziger (New York)
    Asena (Turkish, many arabic pirates)
    Other Music Suitable for Dancing
  • Egyptian pop music, called Shabbi, is excellent for dancing.  The
    compilations are great; Hakim is very popular.
  • Algerian pop, called Rai, is also great.  Cheb Mami is cool.
  • Turkish pop and fusion music is awesome.  I never bought an
    album I didn't like; Tarkan is quite popular.
  • There is a wonderful artist from Sudan named Ali Hussan Kuban,
    and a Tunisian named Amina.
  • Bhangra, Punjabi pop, is becoming popular for Raks Sharki.
    (May not be suitable for Raks Sharki,
    but they're awesome.)
  • Tarika, (formerly Tarika Sammy),
    from Madagascar.
  • Savina Yannatou, world music from
    Greece.
  • The Culture Music Club in Zanzibar
    produces music called Taarab.
Other World Music
CD Reviews
Reviews by a dancer and drummer,
for dancers and drummers!
Choose a genre
at right.
Information about
local musicians
Music