I want to know the real name for a song supposedly from Syria.
For years, I have been playing a song I learned from a US-published recording of an ensemble led by Syrian oudist Abdel Hamid Tnnari. The publisher,
who is of Lebanese-Armenian background, is based on Los Angeles, and has put out some pretty good recordings. Unfortunately, his knowledge of the
music is apparently rather limited, and sometimes the song descriptions and translations and transliterations of the song names are very
inaccurate.
I love this melody, which is called "Debke Halabi" on the album. The track is actually one a medley, and the melody is the LAST one. I have
transcribed it.
And I hope you enjoy playing this rare 'ajam debke as much as I do!
Peace out,
"Udi" John John Erlich - 5-10-2013 at 07:32 AM
Aw...c'mon guys! Thirty-three views and 15 downloads of the music sheet and no one has a clue?
-Jalim - 5-10-2013 at 07:43 PM
Okay, I have an older copy of the CD (1995) and it has about the same number of tracks but in different order. Track 2 is the same as the song you are
referring to, and it is titled "Ngm Al Ams". I think this means Naghm al Ams, Melody of the Past in Arabic. Not sure if this is the real name or
not...
Ali-John Erlich - 5-13-2013 at 08:46 AM
Shukran, Ali! The track name sounds descriptive, rather like, "Old Songs," and would pretty typical of this particular publisher, that is to make
something up. It really is a nice recording, one of my favorites, in fact.
Peace out,
"Udi" JohnBaniYazid - 5-14-2013 at 12:25 PM
Thank you for the transcription !John Erlich - 5-14-2013 at 12:59 PM
