Brothers of the Baladi
2008 Grammy-Nominated Middle Eastern / World Music band. This American quartet features traditional Middle Eastern songs, well-chosen cover songs, and unique original material played with traditional Middle Eastern instruments (Oud, Saz, Mizmar, Midjwiz, Arabic Tabla/Doumbek, Def, Riq and Davul) paired with Western electric Guitar, Bass and Drum set, and vocals in eight languages (Arabic, Turkish, Spanish, Farsi, Armenian, Berber, French, and English). The result is a seamless blend of exotic world rhythms and sounds with familiar grooves that is highly accessible to audiences worldwide.
We mix Mediterranean, Spanish and Middle Eastern songs with worldly original compositions, well-chosen ‘ Baladized ‘ cover tunes and vocals in English, Spanish, Turkish, French, Armenian, Farsi & Arabic. Then we combine this with exotic rhythms, familiar grooves and traditional instruments (oud, saz, mizmar, tabla / doumbek, bendir, davul, def & riq) fueled by guitar, bass and drums. Thus we have created a sensational sound that makes most audiences smile and dance; while we cross many borders and bridge several cultures.
Brothers of the Baladi are available for festivals, concerts, colleges, performing arts, multicultural events, music workshops and club performances. We are also available with the finest Belly Dancers / Tribal Troupe Dancers as a portion of the show.
Reasons to book this show:
1) In the Middle Eastern World Music market there are excellent traditional native bands who only perform music from their own country, Tribal & Belly Dance bands who only play for dancers and there are many bands who include a few traditional instruments and call it World Music. There is no band anywhere doing what Brothers of the Baladi have done and continue to do though. They do it all and they do it very well. But… they’re not ‘natives’? THAT is their hook and message: An American Middle Eastern / World Music band formed and led by an American. They sing and speak all the languages and perform their exotic music so expertly that they ignite both natives and Americans / Westerners. They are the real thing. In fact some press has even labeled them ” Ambassadors of Peace “. The western world has always had an innate fascination with the Middle East. At this time in history with so much focus on the Middle East (especially the negative), who better than an American band to bridge the gap and bring dance, joy and understanding through music. Isn’t it time to hear something positive about the Middle East?”
2) Their marketing team is connected, dedicated and always ready to work hard to promote every show.
3) Their 2008 CD Just Do What’s Right was nominated for a Grammy in the Contemporary World Music category. Our version of ‘Paint it Black’ on our Eye on the World CD was featured on NPR’s All Things Considered in 1998.
4) As a member of Music Supervisor (LA, CA) their music has been chosen for film and screen. BOB music has been used on ABC TV’s Lost, Showtime TV’s Sexual Healing, USA Network’s Core Culture and our music on the documentary Holy Family of Egypt – Jesus in Egypt premiered in Cairo, Egypt in and is both featured and heard by millions on the TBN Channel. The Brothers can also be heard on XM, NPR, and Thom Hartmann’s Air America and on radio stations around the globe.
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“A sound that knows no borders” – LA Times
“Their versatility redefines the concept of World Music” – Activity Board – U of Arizona Tucson, Arizona
“It goes without saying that, from the get-go, the band has revealed a strong Eastern music influence, and their East-meets-West sound is an odd mixture of Don Henley sunshine, Steely Dan groove and the warbly vocals, syncopated percussion and arcing strings of George Harrison’s Maharishi experimentation” – Rick Levin, Eugene Weekly (1/6/2012)
“… a wonderful journey marked by creativity, spirit, taste, and adventurousness. Their unique blend of musical and cultural influences… quickly won over our audience with inspired and infectious music. A most enjoyable, enlightening and fun experience. Truly look forward to the next time we can have the Brothers back.” – Kurt Bagnell, Manager of Presentations, The Banff Centre, Banff, Alberta
“If World Peace is ever going to come it will be because of the talent and devotion of people like The Brothers of Baladi. Be at the forefront of the wave that breaks the barriers and begins the peace process right here, while enjoying a great groove.” – New Times, San Luis Obispo, California
“Infectiously danceable…will lure grooving congregates to the floor, seats of chairs, and even table tops!” – Artvoice, Buffalo, New York
“A very high energy collection of songs dramatically different from each other, graced with a level of talent never heard on alternative radio. This is completely original music and, I admit it, ‘infectiously danceable.’” – Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona
“Your music inspired spontaneous dance and bringing together a variety of rhythms, cultures and people. It was one of the most diverse and thoroughly satisfied audiences we’ve ever had.” – Student Activities, University of Alaska, Anchorage
“Brothers of the Baladi mix the insistent beat of Middle Eastern Music with equal parts Rock and Roll.” – Monterey Herald, Monterey, California
“Brothers of the Baladi have been an integral part of the presentation, and our central entertainment surrounding ‘The Quest for Immortality-Treasures of Ancient Egypt.’ They have provided authentic sounds to echo the Middle East through our Halls and proved exceptional muscians, able to kick it up, transitioning from Middle Eastern selections to contemporary dance music. When the Brothers played, everyone moved; truly a highlight of our opening and exhibit.” – Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon
“Just Do What’s Right is a very big sound… a thick fusion of old and new with aspects of belly dancing music layered with some fairly ambient vocals and electronica… these guys are taking liberties with traditional musics and generally winning on their bets.” – Adam Greenberg, Allmusic
“Just Do What’s Right spreads itself out across various world music based genres which is a serious and well timed diversion from the typical world fusion release. An exotic mix of planetary beat that allows you to dance, work out and relax.” – BM, Glide Magazine.com
“The Brothers bring to the table an organic, free-spirited sonic brew of some of the best elements of world music. It criss crosses all modern ornamentation in favor of oud and saz arrangements, highlighting ambient vocals that blend nicely with fusions of belly dance grooves.” – AP, Daily Camera
“A delightful oasis of sensual rhythms and superb musicianship that makes you dance. I always enjoy sharing the bill with these entertaining performers.” – Maria Muldaur
“The versatile band has been blazing trails in World Music for over thirty years, playing traditional offerings and bridging cultures from the Middle East to international Rock n’ Roll. Their passionate and organic music leaves audiences stirred and inspired.” – Jam Base
“….Brothers of the Baladi play music that makes regular guys loosen their ties and dance on the tables.” – The Oregonian, Portland, Oregon
“Anyone who has not seen them live is missing out. People were dancing in a well lit public place and that never happens. Bottom line – they make you move.” – Watermargin Cooperative / Program Board, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
“I highly recommend any university interested in diversity and multi-cultural activities to consider Brothers of the Baladi… Outstanding… the crowd loved and responded energetically and the techs loved working with the band.” – Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
“Very hip… very unique.” – Leon Redbone
“…definitely had them dancing.” – Seattle Times, Seattle, Washington
“They were the whole package… the perfect match for us… very organized and professional… put on an amazing performance… I hope to work with these talented performers and businessmen in the future…” – AS Presents, Chico State University, Chico, California
“Exciting, Educational, Sensational… everyone danced… come back again” – ASMSU Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
“A sound that contains musical styles for everyone… a great concert.” – Program Board – Whittier College, Whittier, California
“Let the Oud Times Roll” – Fresno Bee, Fresno, California
“Brothers of the Baladi are the ‘ real deal’ – a fresh take on an ancient idea.” – Diane Gordon, The Beat Magazine
“A mesmerizing and highly danceable mix of Middle Eastern and Rock styles…” – Lee Hildebrand, East Bay Express,Berkeley, California
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