WOMAD

Syriana

From Algeria, Ireland (Irish Republic), Jordan, United Kingdom, Palestine

Where Americana meets Arabia

"Syriana is more than just a band. It's a concept. An attitude. A perspective. A place where themes of tolerance, liberty and hope come wrapped in Arabic rhythms and played through a Western filter." As mission statements go, the aims of collective Syriana tread noble ground. A meeting of musical minds between these shores and the Middle East, this is a loosely populated project co-helmed by double-bass player Bernard O'Neill and Nick Page, the latter well-known to WOMAD audiences through his pivotal roles in Transglobal Underground, Temple Of Sound and Dub Colossus. Bridging artificially constructed divides, Syriana is the place where Americana meets Arabia, where noirish electric guitars partner 81-string dulcimers, where East and West recognizes and respect each other. Most of all, it's a place where some terrific music is made. Music that's contemporary - futuristic, even - without needing to utter a single syllable of lip service to prevailing trends.

(Biography written by Nige Tassell 2010)