Evoking and Celebrating a Culture

Reem Kelani is a Palestinian musician described by Pete Martin of Jazz UK as “an artist who’s voice will make the hairs on your neck stand up,” and by John Fordham as an "extraordinary singer." Her album "Sprinting Gazelle - Palestinian songs from the Motherland and the Diaspora" was released in 2006 to critical acclaim. It combines classical Arabic and traditional Palestinian songs alongside Reem'’s own jazz-inspired compositions.

This feature includes tracks from that album, along with an in-depth conversation with Reem about her music and culture. And, it is heartfelt stories from middle eastern culture that are so embodied in Reem’s projects. She views her musical journey as both historical and political, personal and collective. Here, she also gives a fascinating account of being in Tahrir Square at the time of the Egyptian Revolution.

Length 45 mins. See www.reemkelani.com for further details.

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