Bridging Deserts and Cities: The Sound of Middle Eastern Rock Fusion

 

In an era of globalized soundscapes, few musicians stand out as authentically as Abbas Sharif Alaskari. A British guitarist and composer with deep roots in both Western rock and Middle Eastern musical traditions, Abbas has crafted a style that doesn’t merely fuse genres — it bridges entire cultures. His work is a melodic dialogue between the bustling streets of London and the golden dunes of Dubai.

Abbas's musical journey began in the heart of the UK, where he studied contemporary music performance at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London. Even in his early days as a session guitarist for underground rock bands, he stood out for experimenting with scales and tonalities not typically heard in British rock. This experimentation laid the foundation for his signature style: combining Arabic maqam scales with heavy guitar riffs, creating a fusion that is as emotive as it is electrifying.

A pivotal chapter in Abbas's artistic evolution unfolded during his decade-long stay in the UAE. It was in Dubai where his vision crystallized. As co-founder and lead guitarist of "Desert Echoes," he delved deep into the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern music. The band’s three studio albums — Echoes of the Dunes (2015), Sands of Sound (2018), and Lost in the Mirage (2021) — serve as sonic chronicles of this journey. Tracks layered with oud-inspired fretless guitar lines and traditional Arabic percussion ride over progressive rock structures, offering listeners a unique auditory experience that transcends geography.

But this fusion is more than a stylistic experiment; it's a reflection of identity. Abbas sees music as a cultural mirror — a way to reflect both where he’s from and where he’s been. “I wanted to tell stories through sound — stories of migration, of belonging, of standing between two worlds,” he explains.

Now based in London once again, Abbas is working on a solo project aptly titled Between Two Worlds. The album promises to be a culmination of his cross-cultural explorations, weaving the soulful melodies of the oud with the gritty energy of British rock. Early performances at festivals like the Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury Emerging Talent showcase hint at a record that will challenge conventional genre boundaries.

Beyond his recordings, Abbas is dedicated to education. As a teacher at BIMM London and founder of an online music academy, he mentors a new generation of guitarists in the art of fusion. His workshops don’t just teach notes and scales — they encourage students to explore cultural hybridity in music, blending the past and present, East and West.

In a world where music often adheres to trends, Abbas Sharif Alaskari offers something rare: authenticity. His work is a testament to the power of music not just to entertain, but to connect — to build bridges between deserts and cities, between histories and futures.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ali Sharif Al Askari: The Self-Made Guitar Virtuoso Who Redefined Fusion Music

 Ali Sharif Al Askari , widely known in the music world as Abbas Sharif Alaskari , is a name synonymous with passion, innovation, and perseverance. Born into a financially struggling family in the UK , Ali had no industry connections, no family wealth, and no powerful mentor to open doors for him. What he did have, however, was an unrelenting drive to master his craft and create a unique sound that the world had never heard before. His love for music started early, but affording a guitar was a challenge. He worked tirelessly at part-time jobs, saving every penny until he could buy his first second-hand guitar . With no formal training in his early years, Ali taught himself by listening to records and experimenting with different styles, particularly British rock and traditional Middle Eastern maqam scales . Little did he know, this fusion of East and West would become his signature sound in the years to come. The Struggles of an Independent Musician Determined to refine his skills,...
Read more

Ali Sherif Al Askari on Building a Career in Two Music Capitals

 Few artists embody cross-cultural fluency in music like Ali Sherif Al Askari . A British guitarist and music producer with deep roots in both London and Dubai, Ali has spent his career navigating the creative landscapes of two vastly different but equally vibrant music scenes. His ability to thrive in both cities is a testament to his adaptability, vision, and unwavering dedication to fusion music. London Beginnings: Crafting a Musical Identity Ali Sherif Al Askari began his musical journey in the heart of London, where he studied at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) . Immersed in the city's legendary rock scene, he sharpened his technical skills as a session guitarist , performing at iconic venues such as The 100 Club, Camden Assembly , and The Jazz Café . These early experiences gave Ali not only performance chops but also a deep understanding of the energy and grit of British rock. Yet, even then, he was searching for something more—a way to incorporate his...
Read more