"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now."
- MLK
Star Spangled Banner : Arab-American Edition
performed & produced by Karim Nagi, Chicago USA
www.karimnagi.com
I am not a big fan of fireworks, nor the use of flags for bravado. I was not born an American, nor have I felt welcomed by everyone. However I am often affected by the various stylistic and ethnic interpretations of The Star Spangled Banner. The act of adapting such an iconic song provides an assertion of the artists individual voice, and a proclamation of inclusion. I believe that the USA benefits from an open & inclusive society, and that diverse voices must be encouraged. My version of "The Anthem" embodies my belief that our country is Not an idealogical monolith, and that I belong here too.
The Star Spangled Banner (a.k.a. American National Anthem)
composed by John Stafford Smith & Francis Scott Key (PD)
Performance & Arabized arrangement by KARIM NAGI
- Arabic buzuq lute: 8 string custom
- Egyptian tublah & riqq tambourine,
- muzhar tambourine & bendir frame drum
Transposed to the Arabic maqam scale "Suznak" in G
with modulations in maqams "Saba" in D & "Huzam" in B half flat
Time signature was converted from 3/4 to 4/4, 8/4 & 2/4 using
Arab rhythms Maqsum, Masmudi Kabir, Wahda, Saidi & Fallahi
www.karimnagi.com
released July 3, 2023