1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 We’re huge fans of the Oud – a fretless pear-shaped instrument that’s similar to a lute and known as “the grandfather of the guitar”. We love the dynamics and microtonal flexibility it affords players – not being restricted to frets can be liberating and offers so much in terms of tone and sound that you simply can’t get anywhere else! Especially when it’s in non-Middle Eastern contexts. We’ve compiled a list of 7 notable oud players you need to listen to if you’re just getting to know the instrument. Topics Include: Discussion of&amp;nbsp;TAQS.IM's blog entry for the &quot;7 oud players you need to listen to&quot; post Purpose to raise awareness and promote education on these influential musicians Philadelphia roots George Mgrdichian - fusion and classical expertise John Berberian - role as musician who was the son of immigrants Yurdal Tokcan - prominent Turkish oud player and fretless guitar Farid el Atrache - famous Arab oud player and actor/singer Simon Shaheen - virtuosic Palestinian concert player Ara Dinkjian - globally renown oud player and composer Naseer Shamma - influential Kurdish oud player The list is only of 7 oud players, there are so many others that could have been included It's a good approach to listen to as many different players as possible to appreciate all the different styles TAQS.IM Middle Eastern Music https://taqs.im <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/9761465/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/content/45213878