Well, our time in Yemen was simply fantastic! We all feel that we’re leaving way too soon. We can only hope we can return someday…sooner rather than later!
(Left to right) Ahmed Al-Khalidi, Qanoon; Bandar Sa'sah, Mizmar; Emad Sa'sah, percussion.
Some of us feel that the past couple of days have proven to be a highlight of our careers as musicians. We spent part of our day on Sunday at Bait al-Musiqa (House of Music), meeting and collaborating with some extremely respected local musicians. Extremely respected, and rightfully so. These guys knew what they were doing. I felt enlightened after I left Bait al-Musiqa, thanks to them!
(Left to right) Liz; Kunal Olleri, guitar; Sharooq Mohammed, vocals; Bandar Sa'sah, mizmar. Not pictured: Hussein Rami, oud.
We worked up three numbers for the concert that night, and as we did, it truly felt like we all understood each other on a level that goes way deeper than speaking the same language. As soon as we started playing and planning our tunes, a sense of familiarity set in. Discussions over form, chord progressions, solo order, etc…how musicians figure all of that out is a universal process. I couldn’t understand a word anyone was saying – but there was pointing, passionate discussion, and finally, consensus. Just like a Student Loan rehearsal!
The concert we put on that night was absolutely wonderful, and so much fun! The next day we played an outdoor show at a school, with students, family and friends in attendance. The show had almost a county fair feel, with food stands, balloons, hanging out, and the like. Afterwards, we met with some really wonderful students who are interested in music.
I must say that I really wish we had a longer time in Yemen, and that we could have an opportunity to see more than just Sana’a. I highly suggest that more Americans come see what the country has to offer. In these times, it’s so important to understand that the hype we hear on our *sorry excuses for news stations* is extremely over simplified, stereotypical, and not at all the reality of the situation. And this is why I love these cultural exchange programs so much. It’s an opportunity to bring people together that normally would not be able to interact, to play music together, to perform for one another, to meet each other, to air our grievances, to hear each other out, to discuss, to listen, to understand better, and ultimately, to live in peace. That’s what this is all about.
Thank you, Yemen!
Liz
