Lamajamal

Lamajamal formed in 2004 blooming out of the ethnically diverse music scene in Chicago. After meeting for late night jam sessions at a local bellydance store, these musicians quickly realized an undeniable chemistry. With each member influenced by different musical traditions, they decided to form a group whose goal was to combine this wide variety of styles into their own unique expression. Their first recording rendered interpretations of classical Arabic, Moroccan, and Afro-Peruvian music.

Their first recording rendered interpretations of classical Arabic, Moroccan, and Afro-Peruvian music. Upon the album's completion, the group promptly went on an improvised European tour supported by CD sales.

On their next album "Gypsy Surf", snaking melodies played on clarinet, oud, and dulcimer, groove along a wave of wild electric guitars and driving drums. Lamajamal takes the listener on a journey, "surfing" through a variety of styles, from dub to jazz, ancient to electronic. The versatility of this ensemble embodies a creative energy without borders.

Lamajamal's 2011 album "Tsikago" is a nod to the musical diversity of their home town, Chicago. It is a highly percussive and danceable blend of originals and "party music" from the Balkans, and the Middle-East, featuring instruments such as the oud, cumbus,(Turkish banjo), sandouri, (Greek hammered dulcimer), clarinet, and a variety of eastern percussion.

Lamajamal has also released "Sazuk Safar," a compilation of Kashmiri folk songs. This project is a collaboration with Funkar International, a non for profit association dedicated to preserving the language and culture of Kashmir.

Committed to a vocation as musical instructors and educators, Lamajamal attempts to bridge cultural gaps by presenting world-music education workshops to colleges, libraries and galleries in the United States and Europe.

Group members are active in the Chicago music scene and have performed for various functions including the Chicago world music Fest, Lotus Fest, Global Union, Arabic Music Fest, the Conan O'Brian show, Chicago Cultural Center, Lollapalooza, and the Institute du Monde Arabe in Paris.