The Oud

Rahim al-Haj

Rahim al-Haj began playing the oud at age nine. When he was eighteen he entered the prestigious Baghdad Conservatory, where he studied under the great Munir Bashir and Salem Abdul Karem. He graduated from the conservatory in 1990 with a Diploma in Composition. Rahim also holds a degree in Arabic Literature from Mustensaria University in Baghdad. He became well known in Iraq as a musician and composer, but the political situation and his opposition to the Iraqi regime made it necessary for him to leave in 1991. He spent some time in Jordan and Syria, before coming to the U.S. in March 2000. He now currently lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rahim also has a website, where you can find out about future concerts and purchase his CDs.

The Second Baghdad
(RAH01)

Rahim al-Haj is among the most accomplished oud players of his generation. His original compositions introduce modern concepts into the tradition of Iraqi oud playing. The CD is available here.

1. The Second Baghdad (Baghdad al-Thania) 4:38
2. Dance of the Palms (Ruqsat al-Nakeel) 6:56
3. Dream (Helum) 7:39
4. Sunset of the City (Guroob al-Medina) 5:26
5. Childhood (Tafula) 3:41
6. Missing (Showak) 7:37
7. Yearning (Haneen) 5:19
8. Ehnanah 4:34
9. Horses (Khaiyul) 2:35

Iraqi Music in a Time of War
(Voxlox 103)

This CD was recorded live in New York City in 2003 and features most of the tracks from Rahim's first CD, together with a few extras! Each track also features an introduction to provide some background to the pieces. It is currently available directly from Voxlox.

1. Introduction 3:10
2. The Second Baghdad (Baghdad al-Thania) 4:55
3. Introduction 1:06
4. Dance of the Palms (Ruqsat al-Nakeel) 7:43
5. Introduction 1:07
6. Dream (Helum) 9:21
7. Introduction 0:45
8. Sunset of the City (Guroob al-Medina) 5:48
9. Introduction 1:11
10. Missing (Showak) 7:21
11. Introduction 2:24
12. Iraqi Faces (Wjooh Iraqia) 6:47
13. Introduction 0:06
14. Yearning (Haneen) 5:59
15. Introduction 0:57
16. Horses (Khaiyul) 5:29
17. Introduction (encore) 0:33
18. Eastern Love (Hop Sharki) 5:50

Friendship (Oud & Sadaqa Quartet)
(Fast Horse Recordings 103)

A beautiful new CD featuring a collaboration between Rahim al-Haj and the Sadaqa quartet: Catherine Harlow (cellist and arranger), David Feldberg (first violin), Carmelo de los Santos (second violin) and Jason Parris (viola).

1. Friendship 2:29
2. Warm Voice 5:40
3. Chant (for Hani) 4:06
4. Sunset of the City 6:18
5. Ali 10:32
6. Second Baghdad 5:23
7. Dream 10:30
8. Oak 8:34

When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq
(Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD 40533)

On this CD, Rahim presents a series of taqasim on various Iraqi maqamat, and he is accompanied by Souhail Kaspar on percussion. The CD is available from Smithsonian Folkways.

1. Taqsim Maqam Ajam 8:48
2. Taqsim Maqam Mukhalif 4:32
3. Taqsim Maqam Sika 7:42
4. Taqsim Maqam Kurd 8:34
5. Taqsim Maqam Bayyat-Husayni 7:49
6. Taqsim Maqam Hijaz 8:16
7. Taqsim Maqam Lami 9:19
8. Taqsim Maqam Sharqi Rast 10:49
9. Taqsim Maqam Saba 7:05

Home Again
(Fast Horse FH 017)

A beautiful CD of compositions inspired by a journey Rahim undertook to his homeland of Iraq in 2004 and his subsequent return to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

1. Closeness 7:06
2. Iraqi Lullaby 7:34
3. Oak 8:23
4. Gray Morning 6:44
5. Qassim 7:20
6. Compassion (for Jackie & Michael) 4:16
7. Trip 3:52
8. Fly Away 6:06
9. Baghdad, New Mexico 7:31

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