Description
The Baghdad-born AlHaj is considered to be one of the greatest oud players currently living and performing in the world. He has garnered many accolades, including two Grammy nominations, for his collaborative efforts with performers like Bill Frisell and R.E.M. In 1991 he was exiled from his native Iraq for his activism against Saddam Hussein's regime and currently resides in Albuquerque. His exile colors his compositions with the wistful overtone of someone who is still learning to come to terms with a new culture. - Juan Guzman sanjose.com