Kuwait: Sea Songs of the Arabian Gulf

(This booklet is a companion to the digital CD--Kuwait: Sea Songs of the Arabian Gulf. Multicultural Media, 2014: MCM 3051).

The Arabian/Persian Gulf, among the world’s oldest maritime civilizations, is home to one of the most musical regions of the entire Peninsula. Over the centuries, many categories of arts have flourished, but it is the songs of the sea that have had a special place in the hearts of nationals. The musical color and texture is like non-other in the Arab world as large choirs of men join voices to sing heartfelt, haunting melodies over vibrant, percussive timbres. Until the early 20th century sea songs were heard constantly as they were sung for both work and recreation, on ship and shore and during late night gatherings. However, today less than a dozen established groups perform this music in the Upper Gulf region. This booklet with extensive images, song texts, and musical examples, describes the history of Gulf sea songs and the various genres and their functions, especially as found in Kuwait. It is a companion to recordings of one of the most lauded surviving groups, the Hamid Bin Hussein Sea Band, which is comprised of many descendants of Gulf pearlers and sailors (MCM 3051, available on ITunes). Together, the booklet and audio files offer a rare glimpse into the unique art of this ancient culture.