Spincity: Fusion sounds from Egypt

HE has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Marc Almond, Joan Armatrading, Big Country, Debbie Harry, Luciano Pavarotti, Jay Z and Rolling Stones.

He’s also on scores of film soundtracks such as The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, The Last Temptation Of Christ, The Saint, Stargate, Stealing Beauty and Wings Of A Dove.

For the talented Cairo-born Hossam Ramzy, his musical journey began when he learned the Egyptian tabla with leading Cairo music teachers.

He went on to meet people from many Bedouin tribes in Saudi Arabia, who in turn provided him with a rich insight into the cultural origins of Middle Eastern music.

His journey continued when he went to England in the mid-70s where he enjoyed great success as a jazz drummer, working with musicians like Andy Sheppard and Geoff Williams. Here, he found the passion for thrilling dance rhythms of the Middle East, which he then incorporated into his own music.

Soon, his distinctive sound of Arabian and North African string arrangements, and percussion, caught the attention of Peter Gabriel and Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant. He worked on their reunion album No Quarter – Unledded that became a worldwide bestseller.

Hossam went on to join them on their historic 1995/96-reunion world tour.

Since then, he’s done 18 solo albums of Egyptian dance music.

Now, he’s here, with a seven-piece ensemble and his belly-dancer wife, Serena Ramzy.

Catch Egyptian Splendour with Hossam Ramzy at the Dewan Filharmonic Petronas, KLCC on July 7-8 at 8.30pm. Tickets from RM40. Call 03-20517007.