Tarab

Released in 1993 on Enja Records, Tarab represents a pivotal moment in Rabih Abou-Khalil's discography where his 'Mediterranean Jazz' concept reached a peak of formal elegance. The album features a stellar lineup including Selim Kusur on nay and vocals, Glen Moore on bass, and Nabil Khaiat on frame drums. Unlike some of his later, more 'playful' works, Tarab is characterized by a deeper, more contemplative tone, as suggested by its title - an Arabic word describing the emotional ecstasy brought about by music. The recording is notable for its high-fidelity capture of acoustic textures, particularly the resonance of the oud and the breathy qualities of the flute. Critically, it is often cited as one of the most successful integrations of Arabic modal systems with Western jazz structures, avoiding the pitfalls of orientalism in favor of genuine structural innovation. It remains a cornerstone of the 1990s global jazz movement.