Much of this CD is a result of Hamza's collaboration with stage director and visionary Peter Sellars on his multi-media work The Persians. Waterwheel of Darius is a reinvention of Escalay used as the music of King Darius in the play It is a wonderful opportunity to see how Hamza's vision of his seminal work has evolved in his own playing. Other pieces here offer the same chance: new imaginings of Shortunga and Nabra are likewise explored. Like the gold-tinged cover, this recording gives off warmth and comfort.

Hamza El Din - voice, oud, and tar
recorded and produced by Burkhardt Kiegeland

Song Titles:
1. Er'Rasoul (The Messenger) - comp. Hamza El Din
2. Saqiat Darius (Waterwheel of Darius) - comp. Hamza El Din
3. Ashranda (The Beautiful) - comp. Hamza El Din, lyrics Mohi El Din Sherif
4. Shams Esh'shamusa (Delicate Sun) - words and music Sayyed Darwish, arr. Hamza El Din
5. Nabra (Gold Ore) - comp. Hamza El Din, lyrics Mohi El Din Sherif
6. Shortunga (My Soul) - comp. Hamza El Din, lyrics Mohi El Din Sherif
7. El Aanqa (Griffin) - comp. Hamza El Din, lyrics Ilea Abu Madi