Nabil Khemir - RayJam (EP) (2007)Blue Canoe Records

Nabil comes from Tunisia and plays the lute and guitar, although it can seem to be little precise description of him. He learned from the likes of George Benson, John McLaughlin, John Coltrane, Pat Metheny and a lute virtuoso Ali Sriti. Actually, Nabil doesn't play an usual lute, but an instrument that is called RayJam. It is a double neck instrument being a hybrid of lute and guitar, so feel free to call it a lutoguitar, haha. As you can guess, Khemir's debut EP was titled the same. Nabil recorded the stuff with three other musicians: Hichem Mazqou (drums), Nabil Wirghi (bass guitar) and Sam Ben Said (keys). It was published by an American record label specializing in digital releases only.

All the tunes performed by Mr. Khemir are silk, healing, spiritually-powered, jazzy and intangible in a sense. It is so, because a Tunisian player is the only one person who knows the tricks of his unique playing. Even though here are many North African and especially Egyptian music influences, you can also hear a bit progressive parts thanks to Sam Ben Said's performing. An advantage of the EP are imposing instrumental parts, some bit distorted fragments and interesting arrangements.

Since I toil hard at my desk listening to many records, I always enjoy the music that is relaxing. Undoubtedly, Nabil is a savvy player who makes jazz music more accessible to an unpractised hearers, that's why you needn't be a virtuosity somellier to like this stuff. As far as myself is concerned, I got a return on listening to "RayJam" and feel totally pleased with it.