TO Syria via Fusion Jazz

A four-member fusion jazz ensemble from Syria performed yesterday at the concert ‘Uniting Humanity through Music’ organised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), in association with the International Centre of Goa (ICG), Dona Paula. NT BUZZ speaks to the musicians to know more about the music scene in Syria and how they make music, not letting conflict come in the way of their passion

VENITA GOMES | NT BUZZ

If you’re abreast with international issues and current affairs, you would surely know that Syria has witnessed and gone through destruction, conflict and war over the years. But, life goes on and thus there have been several Syrian citizens who have given life another shot and choose to follow their passion. Here are musicians Simon Mreach (Drums), George Malek (Guitar), Tarek Al Miski (Bass guitar) and Ahmed Iskandarani (Nai) who came together to perform at a fusion jazz concert yesterday at ICG, Dona Paula.

War and music

The members of the ensemble came together in the year 2013 when the country was faced with a civil war. The musicians wanted to offer new and innovative tunes in jazz music. “In Syria the condition wasn’t stable at all, however we tried getting musicians who were passionate about their music and would give people original musical experiences. We added some oriental vibe to our jazz approach and did a lot of improvisation. We used a lot of themes of that time in our jazz music and folk music through the compositions,” says Simon Mreach.

The ensemble offers a mix of Arabic, Chinese, Syrian and Japanese music. “Our jazz is influenced by African grooves which came to us from the Afro-American people who lived in our country. There were Chinese and Japanese working in the railways and cotton fields and they brought their instruments, all of these added and influenced the music of our country,” he says.

Simon mentions that in Syria a lot of people have lost their lives, including talented musicians. He says: “What we see in the news is not exactly the whole truth of what happens in Syria. Due to the conflict, Syria lost a lot of musicians who were either killed or fled the country. Some moved out to a different space all together. Musicians like us stayed back and are trying to revive the music.”

He also shares a heart-breaking instance of one of his performances in Syria. “We were performing at a concert, and just about 50 metres away there were attacks and a blast. This was not something new, but to our surprise none of the people left the concert. They sat back and enjoyed the music. They transcended their fear,” shares Simon.

Music that matters

For these four musicians it has become an important task to create awareness and showcase their music culture to the rest of the world. Tarekh Al Miski says: “It is important to show our culture to people. I think this is the way we should communicate to the world and allow for exchange of cultures to take place. We tried bringing in a different style of music. It is not the old tunes you will hear, but new sounds, a new kind of harmony with a traditional touch to it,” Tarekh adds.

For these artistes their whole purpose is to use music to heal. They wish to capture people’s minds and awaken them. The musicians are very vocal and don’t hesitate to speak about the destruction they have witnessed. “If you want people to hear your story then music is the best way to let them experience it. In our music you can find aggression and that is probably because we have gone through a phase like that, which has helped us grow,” says Simon.

Performing in India

The ensemble was brought to Goa by Sada / Ecco Association, a non-profit organisation in Syria which has been actively involved in promoting music and at the same time encouraging young Syrian musicians to connect with people and cultures from across the world. They recently sponsored the musicians to attend the Fusion for Jazz Festival in India organised by ICCR, and thus came to Goa. Tasnim Alkassem of Sada Association says: “It is a new offering to India and Goa to experience fusion jazz music from Syria.”

Ahmed Iskandarani who plays the Nai loves India, and was waiting for an opportunity to perform here. He shares: “I have been waiting to come here from a long time. The music and the musicians here are simply amazing. Even the instruments and the varieties they have are commendable. I tried playing the ‘bansuri’ and I do wish to try out some more instruments as well.”

Guitarist, George Malek is happy with the warmth he has received from the people in India. “This opportunity will help build strong ties between Syria and India,” he concludes.