El Andaluz

El Andaluz are the leading exponents in London of classical Arabic and Andalusian music. They are led by oud (Arab lute) player and composer Yazid Fentazi who has performed with Robert Plant, Marc Almond, Transglobal Underground, Cheb Mami and Cheb Sahraoui. He has also toured with Natacha Atlas and Hussam Alrassam. The Guardian has described Fentazi?s compositions as having ?breadth and atmosphere, and his oud soloing, which recalls the drive and dynamism of world oud star Anouar Brahem, is often stunning?. Yazid Fantazi is accompanied by the world class derbouka playing of Karim Dellali and the exciting melodic violin of Frank Biddulph. Karim Dellali has played with Joi, Trevor Watts Moir? Music and Oojami, while Frank Biddulph?s unique improvising style on the violin has led to tours with the Balkan group Mukka, and to recording with the Waterboys and Stereo MCs. He also produced Mukka?s Radio 1 John Peel session. Algerian bassist extraordinaire, Hamid Bouri completes the quartet. El Andaluz take the audience on a wonderful journey. From a poetic and reflective Andalusian Nuba to the trance-like Sufi music of the Sahara, then to delightful Turkish rhythms and classical Egyptian belly dances, they often end the evening with the celebratory Chaabi music of Algeria, which never fails to get the audience up on their feet and dancing.