KaddalMerrill – Rain Over Nubia tour visits Colchester

KaddalMerrill is the collaboration of classically trained Egyptian flautist Fayrouz Kaddal (High Dam Band, Africairo) and innovative British folk fiddler Daniel Merrill (Dead Rat Orchestra). Backed by Egyptian master percussionists including Ayman Mabrouk (who has appeared with the likes of Fathy Salama and Gilberto Gil) their first UK tour closes at Colchester Arts Centre on 16 August.

Combining traditionally melodic instrumentation of flute and violin, KaddalMerrill weave together an uplifting and joyous fusion of Egyptian, Nubian and British musical traditions. Underpinned by exuberant Egyptian percussion and the polyrhythmic drum grooves of Sudanese dance, this is music that invites you not so much on a journey but into the intimate space of the music’s creators, as they explore their cultural and musical roots.

The intricate melodies of Kaddal’s flute and Merrill’s violin dive, dance and spin through the heady beats of traditional Middle Eastern drums. Both sun soaked and rain drenched, this intimate music speaks of musicians probing their imaginings of place, culture and identity.

The debut KaddalMerrill album Rain Over Nubia will be released on CD and download on Antigen Records, (Antigen 311) on August 12 to coincide with the tour. Recorded between Krouma Camp, Soheil Island in Aswan, The Sudanese Club in Alexandria, and Giza it features masterful performances from musicians from Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea.