Egypt Strut

A monumental milestone in the evolution of global jazz, Egypt Strut is the definitive document of Egyptian military drummer and composer Salah Ragab. As the founder of The Cairo Jazz Band, Egypt's first jazz big band, Ragab single-handedly pioneered a radical sonic fusion that bridged the gap between American avant-garde jazz and traditional Arabic scales, rhythms, and folklore.

Originally recorded in Cairo during the late 1960s and 1970s, this collection is an exhilarating showcase of Afro-Egyptian jazz. Ragab's intricate, heavy percussion structures lay the groundwork for sweeping horn arrangements, microtonal experimentation, and traditional Middle Eastern instrumentation. The music carries a hypnotic, spiritual depth that caught the attention of Sun Ra himself, leading to legendary collaborations later in Ragab's career.

From the driving, infectious groove of the title track to the meditative, modal rhythms of 'Khan El Khalili', Egypt Strut is a vibrant, essential piece of musical history. This reissue is a crucial addition to the shelves of anyone exploring spiritual jazz, ethio-jazz, or left-field global sounds.

Track Highlights: 'Egypt Strut', 'Khan El Khalili', 'Nefertiti', 'A Ramadan Chant'