As I'm sitting down to write this, I'm listening to "Jatna Risala" (we got a letter)… one of my favorite songs on Rum's new album "Urdon". The sound of Oud and Nai, along with Sahar Khalifeh's powerful vocals, is absolutely mesmerizing. Tonight's concert was amazing – not that I would have expected anything less than amazing from Tareq Al-Nasser and the brilliant Rum team, but their concerts always take you beyond mere enjoyable; they're so intense you just feel one with the music.
Rania and I got to the Zara auditorium a little after 7:30, only to find out that all the 8:00 o'clock tickets were sold out, and that there's another performance right afterwards at 9:30 (which would be 10:30 Jordan Time). The number of people standing there trying to get tickets was incredible, and I was hopelessly trying to figure out a way to get tickets for the first show… I was standing by the counter, when a lady came next to me and started asking the man in charge if she could possibly exchange her tickets because she preferred to return at 9:30. It was just so perfect I couldn't believe myself :)
I don't know why they chose to have this concert at Zara, I mean, the auditorium is not big enough, and the Hussein Cultural Center at Ras El Ein would've been way better and capable of taking in all the eager crowds. This being Amman, I saw many people I know, it was actually getting amusing when we were standing outside… everywhere I turn I would end up pausing for a chat with friends I hadn't seen in ages. It really fills me with joy to see Rum doing so well, and to see that many people supporting and enjoying their music.
They played 10 songs, varying in style. They started with "Lamma Teshty" (when it rains), with Yazan Rousan singing… this was a very nice kinda mellow tune different from previous Rum songs. Yazan has a beautiful distinct voice, perfect for this type of jazzy music. The voice I really admired though was Sahar's; hers has such a wide range, going high and low… very tender in songs like "Ya Yumma" (Oh mom), accompanied by the piano solo, or the ever beautiful "Daggi Galbi" (my heart beat), and very deep, intense, and powerful in songs like "Jatna Resalah". A song that the audience seemed to enjoy a lot was a re-make of "3eshna", this time with a Ras-El-Ein theme… what I liked most about this song and the other playful and fun "Min Nus Sa3a" was the trumpet and Saxophone. Najati's trumpet solo in "Min Nus Sa3a" just blew my mind. The concert was concluded with "Urdon", which is the Rum signature; it totally grips you with its accelerating rhythm, powerful crescendo, and the beautiful harmony between all the instruments.
I know I've said this many times, but what I love most about Rum is the passion with which they play. You feel passion in every beat. Watching them live is such a treat because you see how much heart they put in each song, and how wonderfully they interact with each other… it's obvious how much they're loving every minute of it, and so is their loyal audience.
I'll leave you with some pictures (albeit not well-taken; I should get myself a decent tripod and some filters)
Rania and I got to the Zara auditorium a little after 7:30, only to find out that all the 8:00 o'clock tickets were sold out, and that there's another performance right afterwards at 9:30 (which would be 10:30 Jordan Time). The number of people standing there trying to get tickets was incredible, and I was hopelessly trying to figure out a way to get tickets for the first show… I was standing by the counter, when a lady came next to me and started asking the man in charge if she could possibly exchange her tickets because she preferred to return at 9:30. It was just so perfect I couldn't believe myself :)I don't know why they chose to have this concert at Zara, I mean, the auditorium is not big enough, and the Hussein Cultural Center at Ras El Ein would've been way better and capable of taking in all the eager crowds. This being Amman, I saw many people I know, it was actually getting amusing when we were standing outside… everywhere I turn I would end up pausing for a chat with friends I hadn't seen in ages. It really fills me with joy to see Rum doing so well, and to see that many people supporting and enjoying their music.
They played 10 songs, varying in style. They started with "Lamma Teshty" (when it rains), with Yazan Rousan singing… this was a very nice kinda mellow tune different from previous Rum songs. Yazan has a beautiful distinct voice, perfect for this type of jazzy music. The voice I really admired though was Sahar's; hers has such a wide range, going high and low… very tender in songs like "Ya Yumma" (Oh mom), accompanied by the piano solo, or the ever beautiful "Daggi Galbi" (my heart beat), and very deep, intense, and powerful in songs like "Jatna Resalah". A song that the audience seemed to enjoy a lot was a re-make of "3eshna", this time with a Ras-El-Ein theme… what I liked most about this song and the other playful and fun "Min Nus Sa3a" was the trumpet and Saxophone. Najati's trumpet solo in "Min Nus Sa3a" just blew my mind. The concert was concluded with "Urdon", which is the Rum signature; it totally grips you with its accelerating rhythm, powerful crescendo, and the beautiful harmony between all the instruments.
I know I've said this many times, but what I love most about Rum is the passion with which they play. You feel passion in every beat. Watching them live is such a treat because you see how much heart they put in each song, and how wonderfully they interact with each other… it's obvious how much they're loving every minute of it, and so is their loyal audience.
I'll leave you with some pictures (albeit not well-taken; I should get myself a decent tripod and some filters)
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