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MUSIC-MAKERS are joining together every fortnight to bring a note of multi-cultural magic to the kingdom’s cultural scene, writes Mai Al Khatib.
The Bahrain Acoustic Music Group, formed in 2007, is made up of more than 40 instrumentalists and singers of different musical backgrounds and nationalities.
Currently Australians, Canadians, Brits and Americans are among the musicians working and living on the island and playing with Bahrainis.
Some even make the journey across the causeway from Saudi Arabia to pluck a few bars at JJ’s Irish Restaurant and the Bahrain Rugby Club every other Friday.
The acoustic artistes were originally united by a former St Christopher’s teacher, who has since left the island, alongside Room 2 Rock entrepreneur Chris Fischer. Since then, the group has continued to blossom under the guidance of group organiser, Bahrain University Professor Martin Parker, 56.
Mr Parker said: “There is no stage, no public announcements and no formal presentations. The music simply flows from each player in turn with the others jamming along in support. The content is eclectic but tends to centre around the styles of folk, blues, country and contemporary acoustic music.
“Basically anybody who plays anything is welcome to join. We even had an opera singer once. There is no limit on age or musical ability and the best thing about this group is that there are no egos. Everybody listens to everybody and is very encouraging.
“The sessions started at JJ’s with a small group of people and it just grew from there. We now have more than 80 people on the mailing list, of which 37 are musicians and the rest are no longer here but still like to keep in touch.
“I have been playing the guitar since I was 15 when I decided the violin wasn’t cool enough and it would get the girls.
“I also play the harmonica. That was the first thing I ever played when I was eight-years-old. My dad gave me one and for some strange reason I knew when to suck and blow.
“Why do I love music? It’s a great way to escape and relax from the everyday stresses of life.”
Long-time member Khalid Al Zayani, a mathematician and software writer, has been a part of the group for the past four years. He said: “It’s a fun activity for me and I enjoy being able to play my bass and guitar with other musicians. I love that I can express myself with music when words sometimes fail.”
Corban James Welter, a 15-year-old home-schooled student from New Zinj, is one of many aspiring musicians to join recently. He made his second appearance playing the guitar last weekend and brought along his dad to join in with his violin and mandolin.
After the pair played a beautiful instrumental duet, Corban said: “I like playing my guitar and I believe it’s really useful to play with other people because I learn so much. I found out about the group through a friend.”
The Bahrain Acoustic Group not only tries to hit the right notes during a session they also lend a helping hand to the community. Last December they staged a 12-hour jam marathon at the Bahrain Rugby Club and raised BD250 for the Palm Association,
The sessions start at 2pm and can go on until 5pm leaving live music fans and diners entertained.
For more information, contact Professor Parker at bahrain.acoustic.music.group@gmail.com or call 39198302.
