John Erlich - 2-20-2013 at 12:10 PM
Hi Lute,
The song is Iraqi, "HaLeila Helwa."
Best,
John
John Erlich - 2-20-2013 at 05:18 PM
You should also hear the Baghdadi version of the Jewish piyyut (hymn), "Yah Ribon 'Alam": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPH5PhxkS1I The melody is very similar and may be an adaptation of the Arabic song's melody.
-JE