Karim Bagili

This talented and passionate musician has appeared on stage for years playing solo or in duets with a repertoire composed of personal compositions. This is based mainly on the different Spanish traditional rhythms (Bulerias, Alegrias, rumba, and tango), techniques of the flamenco guitar, and sonorities of the Middle East through the Arabic lute (oud).

Today, he performs with three exceptional musicians in his new band "Karim Baggili Quartet". This group was born of different horizons, with every instrument bringing a new dimension and stamp to the existing pieces. The cello strengthens the rhythmic aspect of the flamenco and brings sweetness to its lyrical side. The flute brings the sound of Jazz Flamenco already used by numerous groups in Spain. The different percussion (Cajon, darbouka, maracas, banked, etc.) offer a rich palette of tones and South American rhythms. The compositions Karim has created since then are thought out and written specifically for this new group, which has a very bright future.
Karim’s newest album, “Cuatro con Cuatro” is a stunning display of Karim’s talent as a composer coupled with his quartet’s great musicianship, individually and together. The arrangements are brilliant and moving.

Musicians:
Karim Baggili – Flamenco guitar, oud, vocals
Kathy Adam – cello
Philippe Lalov – flute, soprano sax
Osvaldo Hernandez – percussion, voice

AMMAN - With Jordanian and Yugoslavian blood flowing in his veins, Belgian self-taught guitarist extraordinaire Karim Baggili is taking the world of music by storm.

At 28, the young musician has already recorded sensational CDs, given countless, highly successful concerts, performed with national chamber orchestras in Belgium and composed music and soundtracks that have won him unanimous acclaim. His love story with the electric guitar started when he was 16. Shortly thereafter he discovered the beauty and finesse of the flamenco guitar, thanks to the great master Paco de Lucia. Baggili soon took on this instrument for good. Upon a visit to his roots in Jordan a few years ago, the oud, the ancestor of all guitars they say, was revealed to him. He has since made these two instruments, the flamenco guitar and the oud his main tools to compose and perform. Technically Baggili is what one would call a virtuoso. He masters speed, precision, clear sound and excellent phrasing. But in the world of music, virtuosi abound. What distinguishes Baggili is the originality of his sound, the freshness of his compositions, the harmonies mainly. The Oriental touch is present, very subtle but definitely present.

The orchestral arrangements he writes are modern but maintain the traditional quality of well-written scores at the same time. "Calais-Douvres" a track on the CD - which teams Baggili with La Nethen Chamber Orchestra - illustrates this quality. The influence of Spanish classical works, like for instance Joaquim Rodrigez's romantic compositions, can be heard in Baggili's music.
If one must absolutely put a label on Baggili's music it would have to be classical. Some of his works, however, are more on the contemporary jazz side. But a truly comprehensive description of what he does Flamenco, jazz, Oriental and classical must all have played a role in the genesis of Baggili's colourful, rich palette of sounds, rythms and harmonies.

Baggili was awarded the first prize at the prestigious Osnabrück Open String Festival in 2000. His solo CD, “Douar” is a collection of acoustic guitar pieces. In recognition of his talent, Wazif, a Belgian maker of exclusive, custom built electric guitars has released a signature model named after Baggili. Forgetting everything about technique, culture or information, and listening to Baggili's works with one's eyes closed is the ultimate test - a very fine, ear and mind pleasing, fulfilling music delivered with grace, taste and subtlety.

Karim’s newest album, “Cuatro con Cuatro” is a stunning display of Karim’s talent as a composer coupled with his quartet’s great musicianship, individually and together. The arrangements are brilliant and moving.

Progressive.homestead.com Review:

This is an acoustic all-world fusion release as a perfect blend with just some Spanish, world jazz fusion and chamber music influences and some Middle Eastern touches. The music often is based on Spanish cores, (use of flamenco guitar, some Spanish vocals and some rhytmic patterns), has a few Middle Eastern associations (use of oud/Arabic lute, some themes), has some jazz touches (flute and soprano sax, piano). The music has an effect like chamber music (cello, the smooth delicacy) with a jazz/flamenco accent. Every member knows exactly where to put the right accents to maintain a rich and warm sound.

Leader of the group is Belgium born Karim Baggili, from Jordanian and Yugoslavian origin. He learned techniques on the flamenco guitar, while his interest in Arabic music made him buy an oud in Jordan. Karim made some pieces for orchestra, composed music for some documentaries and a short film, played with several jazz artists, and focused on his guitar playing. In 2000 he won the first price of the Open String Guitar Competition in Osnabrück.

Philippe Laloy developed his Jazz interest and soprano saxophone playing at the University of Lethbridge, Canada. With this quartet he often plays flute.

The group also has the multiple awarded cellist Kathy Adam and percussionist Osvaldo Napoles, who specialized in Latin American and afro-Cuban rhythms.