THE SECOND BAGHDAD

Rahim AlHaj began playing the oud at age nine. It was evident early on that he had a gift. He is a graduate of the prestigious Baghdad Conservatory, where he studied under the great Munir Bashir and Salim Abdul Kareem. Rahim is among the most accomplished oud players of his generation. His original compositions delicately introduce modern concepts into the tradition of Iraqi oud playing. This CD is a compilation of Rahim’s compositions reflecting his feelings for his country, Iraq, his city, Baghdad, its people, and its rich Sumerian past.