Azaz Trio @ Brooklyn Maqam

Azaz Trio Tuesday April 22nd, 2025 8pm (7:30 Doors) SISTERS – 900 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238 $20 Admission

Stick around for the Arabic music jam after the set!

Azaz Trio is a new group of 3 virtuoso musicians who play different musical traditions adding their own unique flavor, inspired from their deep knowledge in Arabic music. Performing classics in addition to original music by the members of the group.

Featuring: Alber Baseel – vocals, percussion Gabe Lavin – oud Zafer Tawil – vocals, violin

About The Artists:

Alber Baseel is a percussionist from Bethlehem, Palestine. His distinctive style comes from deep roots in his native Arabic music tradition, in combination with years of learning and collaborating in other musical genres, such as Afro-Cuban, Jazz, Balkan, and West African. Alber was formally trained at the Edward Said Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. Throughout his career, Alber has shared a stage and studio with renowned artists Simon Shaheen, Ahmad Al Khatib, Marco Markovic, Residente among others.

Gabriel Lavin, Ph.D., is a Brooklyn-based guitarist, oudist, and scholar. He has studied and performed throughout the United States, Egypt, and the Gulf region, and in August 2024 obtained a degree in oud performance and teaching from the Bait Al Oud Conservatory in Abu Dhabi under the guidance of Sherine Tohamy. His playing and teaching incorporates a broad spectrum of regional styles and techniques from the Arab world and beyond.

Zafer Tawil is an accomplished Palestinian musician and a virtuoso on ‘oud, qanun, violin, and Arab percussion. He performs across the U.S. and in the Middle East with such musicians as Sting as well as celebrated world music artists. He was a featured composer and performer in acclaimed director Jonathan Demme’s Oscar-nominated film “Rachel Getting Married” and is composing and performing for Demme’s next film project, Zeitoun. Zafer is continuously exploring the boundaries of Arab music, and often performs collaborative concerts involving classical Indian and Persian music, as well as Jazz fusion. He has been a guest teacher at workshops on Arab music at many institutions and universities across the United States. A native of Jerusalem, he resides in New York City.