Dubai: The dawn of the New Year brings with it a new tribute to Dubai.
An attempt by Jordanian artiste K-Dun Albaz to reflect Dubai’s diverse cultural mix, the tribute comes in the form of a music album titled City Vibes.
To be released shortly, the album contains both instrumental and vocal tracks by Albaz, who plays the rare handpan. Belonging to the family of the hangdrum, the handpan is an overtone-emitting instrument that can create many layers of sound and ethereal effects.
“City Vibes started with my first melody on the handpan. There are 12 tracks in all in the album, seven of which are purely instrumental and five include vocals. I decided to focus on the different cultures in Dubai because that is what symbolises the city.
Hangdrum
“The music represents different nationalities and their stories about happiness,” said Albaz, adding, “I am an extremely curious and social person and I get to meet some amazing people doing what I do.”
The 31-year-old Albaz said, “I first encountered the Hangdrum in 2011 and was struck by its hypnotising acoustics. I travelled far and wide to hone my skills, covering the US, India, Egypt, Lebanon, Spain, Paris and Africa before settling down in the UAE.”
He said he plays the drums, guitar and piano and embraces different styles of music. “I do everything from pop commercial, house to fusion oriental and chill-out. I have performed with local rock and roll groups in Jordon, covering jazz, Latin jazz, Flamenco and bluesy strains. I have also had the privilege of doing exclusive table sessions for a royal family in the region. Performing alongside RUM, trailblazed by Tareq El Nasser, the pianist, was the icing on the cake.”
