Mike's Oud Forums

Rast Taqsim

Owain-Hawk - 11-17-2008 at 06:52 AM

I've just tried a Rast taqsim, modulating into sort of Nahawand and Rast mix... I also played a bit of a song in there, anyone what it is? :D

Okay so, I want as many criticisms as possible. I know one already, my risha technique, I stumbled a few times in this taqsim and it kind of ruined it... any tips?

Thanks everyone. :airguitar:

http://www.box.net/shared/k11i3pcl49

MatthewW - 11-17-2008 at 12:54 PM

hey Hawk, I really can't hear anything out of place about your playing, seems smooth and steady to me, a hint of that Sunbati approach thrown in for good measure, and if I'm not mistaken do I detect a bit of that old dance hall fav 'Bint El Shalibiyya' worked in towards the end?:airguitar:
what oud are you playing on? comes across nicely with your style.

Kelly - 11-17-2008 at 01:05 PM

Great playing Owain. you set the opening with great sense and space. yeah ok a few times off on the bass notes. I like your modulation into nahawand up on the top strings with those two chords also. why didn't you stay there a bit longer. I don't recognise the song I'm afraid. Keep it going mate.

Ararat66 - 11-17-2008 at 01:12 PM

Hello Owain and Matthew

It's worth remembering that our man in Morcombe has nt been playing 1 year yet - so I would say this is very good playing. Owain, about risha technique - you can't force yourself to get better, you just have to keep practicing because it is all about developing good muscle memory and sensitivities (and musical sensitivity), and changing habits. This takes time and practice so I can't fault you mate. This may help though - I can hear a definate progression from when I first heard you a couple of months ago in Manchester - you are less impetuous (spelling??) your tone has lost some of its 'harshness' (not that it was harsh anyway, but I've noticed a distinct rounding of the sound) you are taking your time more, breathing a bit and discovering music over technique.

I can't really give you advice beyond this unless we are sat in the same room then I could see your posture and breathing, but as I remember you are quite tall and tended to hunch the top of your back over your oud. If you still do that just try to lengthen your spine up, relax and drop your right shoulder. This will balance your breath more and (believe me) will change your playing ... it literally opens up your heart area, and you will literally begin to play more from the heart.

Speaking as a yoga teacher

Best wishes and good heart

Leon

PS

I haven't forgotten to reply to your U2U - just too much work this week - but I promise a good and thoughtful answer.

Owain-Hawk - 11-17-2008 at 02:28 PM

Thanks for all the feedback Matthew, Kelly and Leon. :) Matthew, that is indeed "Bint El Chalabiyya" known as the Fairouz song. I missed a few notes and probably got the rythme off, but you recognized it so I can't be that bad. :D

Thanks Kelly, I do feel I rushed the Nahawand part a little. I need to take my time more.

...Thats true Leon, I haven't even played a year yet. Also I do tend to hunch when I play the Oud but I generally have bad posture whatever I do. I have noticed that when I sit straighter and try to have more self confidence (I imagine I'm in a Naseer Shamma throne :)) ) I imrove. But I don't want to get too <b>rooster</b>y. :mad:... No need to rush about the U2U, whenever you want.

Thanks guys! It's helped. :wavey:

Ararat66 - 11-17-2008 at 03:41 PM

Owain

When I said you hadn't played a year it was definately meant as a compliment not a deficiency to say you have got to this standard after such a short time - I don't know many people who would improve so quickly ... I admire your talent!

The posture, well if you pretty much have bad posture as you say just practice lengthening your spine (rather than straightening it), just 'cos you hold yourself well will not mean you are too <b>rooster</b>y, just developing good habits. You will live happier and longer. This is practice for life and as you are only young it is a good time to start. If you get a bit <b>rooster</b>y now and then well its not the end of the world LOL, you're too nice a guy for that to be a problem.

This is advice from an old-timer:buttrock:

Take it easy

Leon

Owain-Hawk - 11-17-2008 at 03:50 PM

Yes Leon, I knew you meant it as I compliment, don't worry. ;)

About my spine.. I'm looking to start doing some weights or something, to strenghen my back a little bit. I might U2U you about Yoga actually, heard it helps, and I've noticed people who do yoga look much younger and happier... you're 41 aren't you? At the meet, I thought you were about 25. :D

See you soon.

charlie oud - 11-17-2008 at 03:51 PM

Nice Rast Owain, well done, you play in the spirit of Sunbati, a school which recognises that touch is far more important than technique, Keep it up mate. C

Owain-Hawk - 11-17-2008 at 03:52 PM

Thanks Charlie... but I'm still waiting for a taqsim from you to come along... :airguitar:

Ararat66 - 11-18-2008 at 01:45 AM

Hi Owain

Actually I'm 21, it's just I will have been 21 for 21 years on New Year's Eve ... there's always a catch:xtreme:

Leon

Owain-Hawk - 11-18-2008 at 08:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MatthewW
hey Hawk, I really can't hear anything out of place about your playing, seems smooth and steady to me, a hint of that Sunbati approach thrown in for good measure, and if I'm not mistaken do I detect a bit of that old dance hall fav 'Bint El Shalibiyya' worked in towards the end?:airguitar:
what oud are you playing on? comes across nicely with your style.


Hi Matthew, forgot to mention, the Oud I am playing is my Shehata Oud I got from Kelly at the meet. It's a lovely Oud, and truely Arabic sound. :airguitar:

Christian1095 - 11-20-2008 at 01:51 PM

Oud and player sound great... Nice work man...

A thoughtful taqsim

Cyberquills - 11-21-2008 at 04:28 PM

HI Owain

A thoughtful little taqsim that was. Vey nice.

Keep it up :applause:

CQ

SamirCanada - 11-22-2008 at 12:43 AM

very nice!
you have raw talent my man.
keep it up!

Owain-Hawk - 11-22-2008 at 08:23 AM

Thanks you three, you're all too kind. :)