++ NOT COMPLETED - CODING STILL IN PROGRESS - PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION ++

For those not in the know, Wanees Zarour is an award-winning Palestinian-American composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist steeped in the traditions of maqam and jazz.

His compositional voice transcends borders, blending Arabic, jazz, classical, and global music traditions into a bold and cohesive musical language.

Whether composing for full orchestra, stage, or screen, Zarour creates music that is both deeply rooted and forward-looking, driven by rhythmic intensity, lyrical improvisation, and narrative depth.

Born into a family of musicians, Zarour began his classical violin training at age 7 at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, where he rapidly advanced through the repertoire.

He later immersed himself in the maqam system, the Arabic violin tradition, and Middle Eastern rhythms and forms, studying with master musicians and expanding his instrumental fluency to include oud, percussion, and especially the buzuq, on which he is now considered a virtuoso.

In 2014, Zarour released his debut album Quarter to Midnight, a 10-piece chamber jazz project showcasing his intricate compositions and expansive aesthetic. Featuring original works that integrate Arabic, jazz, Brazilian, Turkish, and classical elements, the album was performed across the U.S. and marked Zarour as a bold new voice in intercultural composition.

In 2018, he founded East Loop, a septet dedicated to exploring the intersections between jazz and maqam. With guitarist Sam Mosching, trombonists Chris Shuttleworth and Catie Hickey, saxophonist Bryan Pardo, and rhythm section Nick and Vinny Kabat, the group released an EP in 2018 and will release their debut full-length album Silwan on February 13th, 2026.

1. Silwan (06:05)
2. Lifta (05:54)
3. Autumn (05:40)
4. Festival (05:55)
5. Fig Tree (05:19)
6. Cold City (08:12)
7. Anthem (08:49)

With the album offering a suite of compositions that reflect themes of memory, resilience, and belonging, Wanees’ new recording opens on the ____________ of the titular Silwan and then we get the ________ of Lifta, the ____________ of Autumn, the ___________ of Festival and the _____________ of Fig Tree brought forth, the set rounding out on the ___________ of Cold City, closing on the ___________ of Anthem.

PLAYERS: INSTRUMENT:
Wanees Zarour (Buzuq, Oud, Percussion)
Bryan Pardo (Alto Saxophone, Clarinet)
Catie Hickey (Trombone)
Smauel Mosching (Guitar)
Vinny Kabat (Bass)
Andrew Lawrence (Piano, Keys, Synthesizers)
Nick Kabat (Drums)
Tareq Rantisi (Percussion)