hasanhujairi[dot]com

I must admit, I never really cared for Arabic or Middle Eastern music until I left Bahrain for the first time, when I studied abroad in the States between 2000 and 2003. While I was there, I suddenly began to miss Middle Eastern music (Arabic and Persian music). I listened to everything Middle Eastern and North African, and I came to the conclusion that the first thing I will do when I return to Bahrain after my return would be to learn to play the Oud. I had already played the guitar for 6 years by the time the time I picked up the Oud for the first time, but, I found the Oud completely different.

In Bahrain, I went to study under Saad Mahmoud Jawad, who was given the title of “Faris Al-Oud” (Oud Knight) after being named the best Oud player in Iraq in 2000. He received instruction under many famous oud players, such as Munir Bashir and Rouhi Al-Khammash among others. He not only is an young and exceptional Oud player, but a very good teacher, as well. To my understanding, not all musicians have the ability and/or patience to teach music - Mr. Jawad is one of those who can teach.

To me, playing Oud while I was in Bahrain was the ideal way for me to reorient myself with life in the Middle East and getting to know my heritage at a more personal level. It was also a great way to relieve myself from the stress that accumulated VERY quickly from work. Playing the Oud was also a great way for me to meet very interesting people, and it’s also a fun thing to do after a nice Bahraini Barbeque among family.

When I came to Japan, I brought my Oud with me (along with my classical guitar). In Japan, I had many opportunities to perform Oud and practice with other musicians. It’s a great way for me to keep in touch with my heritage and culture. Playing the Oud seems to bring me closer to home, even though I’m many miles away. I hope I can develop myself academically here in Japan, as well as develop my interest and apprecition for the Oud and Middle Eastern Music.