The Delia Sessions has, as its mandate, the pleasure of introducing talented musicians and their music to a new global audience. These musicians aren’t just ordinary musicians – they are people who have grown up and reside in conflict zones, such as Palestine.
It is all the more difficult for them to reach a global audience on account of their daily struggles. So Delia Sessions – as supported by the Delia Arts Foundation – does everything we can in our power to shine a spotlight on the emerging talent in these war-torn communities.
“To be honest, the difference between here (Palestine) and abroad, is that it is certainly easier (and wider) abroad for musicians…It’s not easy for us to make music or even move freely.”
By facilitating the recording of one or two songs and publishing their music online on YouTube channel, we can bridge the gap between artists needing to be heard, and an audience that didn’t know such good music was out there.
The latest Delia Sessions video, featuring the band Noor AlRaee, is one such privilege that we are excited to share with you.
Noor AlRaee, the band, is made up of Noor himself, the lead singer, guitarist, and the lyrics and music composer – perhaps explaining why the band is named after him.
Aybak AlRaee is his brother, on percussions, and Jalal Qafeshah is on guitar. We spoke to Noor in between songs to get some insight into his musical journey…
Noor: “I’m from Al Arroub refugee camp in Hebron, Palestine. I managed to play multiple instruments out of my passion and love for string instruments in particular. Today I have a music academy that teaches music, starting at the entry-level. I have my own productions, in addition to my local and international participation with different bands and musicians.”
“To be honest, the difference between here (Palestine) and abroad, is that it is certainly easier (and wider) abroad for musicians. There are many more available possibilities and opportunities that are completely different than in Palestine. Palestine is limited in terms of production because of the circumstances as well. It’s not easy for us to make music or even move freely. I’m happy, thank God, for the blessing of music and sound.”
Fans of Palestinian music and the Delia Sessions audience will be happy too. For Noor AlRaee’s music and sound is indeed a blessing. The first song, ‘Fikki Za’alek’, is an original guitar song with a romantic melody that almost trips over itself, describing a lover’s beauty in a soothing, light way.
There is a stoicism to Noor as he plays, inviting his lover to let her hair down and dance away all her sadness. The lyrics go:
Let go of sadness same as you let your hair down and dance
I wish to see your soul as a spoiled child
Let go of sadness same as you let your hair down and dance
I wish to see your soul as a spoiled child
Let emotions paint your scarf
How beautiful your scarf is, oh good for you
The mole on your cheek, your necklace, oh how beautiful you are
Let emotions paint your scarf
How beautiful your scarf is, oh good for you
The mole on your cheek, your necklace, oh how beautiful you are
Let go of sadness same as you let your hair down and dance
I wish to see your soul as a spoiled child
Let go of sadness same as you let your hair down and dance
I wish to see your soul as a spoiled child
You’re the queen of your beauty, how light-hearted, oh good for you
The whole universe is yours, all yours
You’re the queen of your beauty, how light-hearted, oh good for you
The whole universe is yours, all yours
The second song, “Nakhet Karaz”, describes how nature’s details remind him of the beauty of his beloved, including the flavor of cherries and the dance of a mare. Similarly, there is an awesome ambience to Noor’s sound. You could listen to their sound for days on end. The lyrics go:
All the details of nature speak to me about you
She tells you to come, let’s exchange colors in the air
All the details of nature speak to me about you
She tells you to come, let’s exchange colors in the air
Like cherry flavor, you are in the mountains of my soul
Like a mare dance between my ribs, that’s you
Like cherry flavor, you are in the mountains of my soul
Like a mare dance between my ribs, that’s you
All the details of nature speak to me about you
She tells you to come, let’s exchange colors in the air
All the details of nature speak to me about you
She tells you to come, let’s exchange colors in the air
Both songs were recorded live at The Barrel, in Bethlehem, Palestine. The videos have already racked up over 26000 views in a matter of weeks.
The hope with Delia Sessions is that each YouTube view translates into a wider appreciation of the struggle that musicians have to go through to get their music heard in countries like Palestine, and how beautiful that music is, despite the struggle. Please share their music on all your socials if you feel so inclined.
You can also follow NoorAlRaee on Instagram.
