Zayzafoon – Album (2019)

Zayzafoon is Arabic for the Linden tea plant which grows organically in Lebanon, with numerous health benefits. This name is intended to pay homage to my heritage and the music to have the same benefits of Zayzafoon.

Personel:

  • Ayman Abi Kheir: composer, producer, drums & percussion
  • Nathan Baker: alto saxophone
  • Christopher Dooley: guitar
  • Jacob Campbell: keys
  • William Strickler: upright & electric bass
  • Jacob Masi: recording, mixing, and mastering engineer
  • Sound Crew: Jacob Masi, Alex Hamilton, Carlee Kime, Riley Mckee
  • Album Art: Marina Assaad

Songs

  1. Pine: Pine is dedicated to my Lebanese mountainous hometown Dhour EL Shweir which is famous for its pine trees. The flow of the piece’s sections represents a hike in the beautiful pine forests.

Pine Music Video:

2. Shame Us Lake: This composition originated from a Kenny Barron voicing of the Dmin11 chord. The rhythm is inspired by a Seamus Blake tune called Fear of Roaming. The name Shame Us Lake refers to both the great saxophone player Seamus Blake, and to a human dialog with a lake stating: “Shame us for polluting you”.

3. The Red Neon Light: This composition was written under a red neon light. It is intended for the listeners to imagine a red neon light that will take them to the place they desire.

4. Marwan: Marwan starts with an open-improvised introduction representing the atmosphere and setting in which its melody came into existence: a basement in the Lebanese mountains. The name refers to my cousin Marwan who came up with the raw form of this melody on his bass.

5. Parliament Fight: Politics is the art of insuring public interest. With most politicians today being diametrically opposed to the main goal of politics, this piece represents a fight seen on Lebanese TV between parliament members. The funky groove and powerful rock riffs do the job describing the fight scene.

Zayzafoon Album Release Concert:

Get in Touch

I would love to talk music! Hit me up!