Bustan Abraham
| Company type | Ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Defunct | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Israel |
| Products | World music albums |
Bustan Abraham () was an Israeli instrumental ensemble active between 1991 and 2003. The name translates as "Abraham’s garden," representing a symbolic bridge connecting Jewish and Islamic cultural heritages. The group gained recognition as a trailblazer in the realm of world music.
History
The origins of Bustan Abraham trace back to improvisational sessions organized by qanun virtuoso and promoter Avshalom Farjun alongside violinist and oud player Taiseer Elias. These gatherings brought together musicians from a variety of traditions, including Arab music, Turkish music, jazz, flamenco, Western classical music, and blues. The band was formed by eight musicians who made their first public appearance at the Israeli International Arts Festival. While predominantly consisting of Israeli Jewish artists, the lineup included two Palestinian members, underscoring a commitment to musical collaboration that transcended political divisions.
In the wake of the Oslo Accords, Bustan Abraham expanded their reach with performances throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. They worked alongside notable artists such as Ross Daly, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Keyvan Chemirani, and Zakir Hussain. Each album they released typically achieved sales around 250,000 copies. Several members engaged in additional projects: (Taiseer Elias, Zohar Fresco, and Nassim Dakwar) established the Arabo-Turkish-inspired Zyriab Trio, while Elias collaborated with Miguel Herstein in the duo White Bird.
After 1996, and particularly following the eruption of the Second Intifada in 2000, international engagements became less frequent. The band ultimately dissolved in 2003 due to differing artistic directions among members and their involvement in separate ventures.
Despite disbanding, some musicians continued to collaborate intermittently; notably, four former members formed the Bustan Quartet in late 2011, performing at festivals across Israel and the United States.
Core members
- Yehuda Siliki – played the saz until 1993; provided guest vocals on Pictures through the Painted Window
- Emmanuel Mann – handled electric bass until 1999
- Amir Milstein – performed on western-style flute
- Taiser Elias – oud player
- Miguel Herstein – guitarist and banjoist
- Nassim Dakwar – violinist
- Avshalom Farjun – qanun performer
- Naor Carmi – double bassist from 1999 onward
- Zohar Fresco – percussionist specializing in derbouka, riqq, and daf, also contributed vocals
Guest contributors
- Daniela Buchbinder – cello on Pictures through the Painted Window
- Miranda Elias – vocal contributions on Pictures through the Painted Window
- Lea Avraham – vocals featured on Pictures through the Painted Window
- Ross Daly – laouto, lyra, and rebab on Abadai
- Socrates Sinopoulos – kemençe on Abadai
- Keyvan Chemirani – tonbak (zarb) on Abadai
- Zakir Hussain – tabla on Fanar
- Hariprasad Chaurasia – bansuri flute on Fanar
- Achinoam Nini (Noa) – vocals on Fanar
- Gil Dor – guitar on Fanar
- Kroitor Emil – accordion on Fanar
- Kroitor Alexander – violin on Fanar
- Albert Piamenta – clarinet and bass clarinet on Fanar
- Avraham Salman – qanun during concerts
Bustan Quartet
- Emmanuel Mann – electric bass guitar
- Amir Milstein – flute
- Taiser Elias – oud
- Zohar Fresco – percussion
- Haggai Cohen Milo – double bass
Bustan Abraham
- Bustan Abraham (1992)
- Pictures through the Painted Window (1994)
- Abadai (1996)
- Fanar (1997)
- Hamsa (2000)
- Ashra (2001), a compilation celebrating their tenth anniversary
- Live Concerts (2003)
Zyriab Trio
- Mashreq Classics (1996)