Hijaz is a sextet that combines elements from worldmusic and jazz and creates a Mediterranan jazzy sound.

Hijaz is a remarkable sextet that combines Eastern melodies with elements of improvised jazz. The group is the result of a marriage between the piano, the most prolific instrument in Western musical tradition and the oud, the stringed instrument that has become the symbol of the East.

The Tunisian oud player Moufadhel Adhoum knows how to blend virtuosity and subtle poetry into a highly individual and determined approach.

Niko Deman, under the guidance of his Greek mother, not only plays jazz but also plays rembetika on the bouzouki. With such an extensive background, he knows perfectly well how to cross over between genres and traditions.

The dialogue between the oud and the piano is masterfully supported by the light and agile playing of Moroccan percussionist Azzedine Jazouli and by Belgian jazz drummer Chryster Aerts.

Rui Salgado's bass provides a solid foundation. Armenian duduk player Vardan Hovanissian has become the indispensable sixth member of the group.

Together they provide adventurous rhythms that span the traditions from Morocco to India and allow the oud and the piano to weave their intricate web of sound. Hijaz carries you away to a peaceful little patio in a Mediterranean village, not too far from Medina.

(c) JazzLab Series 2008

• Moufadhel Adhoum: oud
• Rui Salgado: contrabas
• Chryster Aerts: drums
• Vardan Hovanissian: doudouk
• Azzedine Jazouli: percussie
• Niko Deman: piano