Munir Bashir

Munir Bashir elevated the oud, or Arabic lute, to a central solo role through his command of the mode-based, raga-like Arabic Taqsim. Parallels were frequently drawn between his improvisations and the boldest explorations found among jazz’s leading innovators. According to www.rootsworld.com, Bashir's "improvisations (were) elegantly melodic. He (tended) to favor short phrases and certain moments remind me of the kind of development one might find in unaccompanied saxophone solos by Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell." Born into a multi-generational musical family, Bashir acquired the foundational techniques of the Arab lute from his father while still a child. He pursued further studies at the Baghdad Institute of Music beginning at age six. Teaching duties formed a complementary thread alongside his performing life. After obtaining a doctorate in musicology in 1955, he joined the faculty of Budapest’s Academy of Sciences in its folk arts department. He later assumed directorships at the Higher Institute of Music in Baghdad and the Music Service of Iraqi Public Radio. Shortly after his death in October 1997, his children located previously unreleased recordings that appeared as Raga Roots. His son Omar sustains the artistic lineage.