Okbari performs Ottoman classical and Turkish contemporary art music along with works from the Armenian and Anatolian folk traditions. Okbari also presents Arabic folk and classical music as well traditional songs from Greece and the Balkans.
Okbari is Amos Libby and Eric LaPerna.
Amos began his musical studies in the field of Indian classical music under the late Ustad Mulazim Hussain in 1996, and continues his study by regularly traveling to India to study with Vidwan Vasudev Rao in Bangalore. Amos began his study of Middle Eastern music and ud technique in 2002 with the late ud master and composer Udi Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian. Amos currently travels to Turkey to study Ottoman classical and Turkish contemporary art music with Istanbul Conservatory veteran and ud and yayli tanbur master Osman Nuri Ozpekel, and has also studied in Istanbul with renowned ud virtuoso Necati Celik. Amos also studied with Lebanese master Charbel Rouhana at Simon Shaheen’s Arabic Music Retreat at Mount Holyoke College. Amos is the co-director of the Bowdoin College Middle Eastern Ensemble and a member of the Applied Music Faculty at Bates College.
Eric LaPerna has been a percussionist since 1987,when he was introduced to Afro-Cuban rhythms. In 2000 he joined oud virtuoso Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian's Middle Eastern Ensemble as lead percussionist. As a student of Al's he learned the Turkish, Armenian and Greek rhythmic systems. The following year he began an ongoing study of the riqq (arabic tambourine) and the iqa'at (Arabic rhythmic modes) with his teacher and mentor, Master Arabic percussionist Michel Merhej Baklouk. Eric has also studied the nay (Middle Eastern reed flute) with masters Ali Jihad Racy and Bassam Saba. He is the Director of the Bowdoin College Middle Eastern Music Ensemble, and a member of the Applied Music Faculty at Bates College. He also teaches Arabic drum classes throughout Southern Maine, and lectures at schools and Universities across New England.
Okbari has shared the stage in Istanbul, Turkey with the Kemani Serkan Ensemble and the Rumeli Meyhane Fasil Ensemble. Amos has appeared onstage as a guest percussionist in 2008 with the legendary Gypsy clarinetist Selim Sesler and his Trakya Fasil Grubu in Beyoglu.
I saw Ben today at Duckfat, and we got to talkin, and I was askin about folks and I told him to say hi to Amos, and he was all like yeah, definitely, and then I stumbled upon your Okbari page and figured shit I'd be all like "whattup!" So yeah... hi. Luke ps love the sounds, really need to catch the live show here soon.
It was such a pleasure to dance with you guys again at Ancient Arts Studio, thanks! And im really enjoying the cd, will have to get the other one next time!
Dear Okbari, Your performance of fasil was very special. For some time now, my ears have hoped to hear Okbari play as an ensemble. Last night I was spellbound as the voices of the flute and violin enriched and elaborated the music. Carl's rich drones and solo phrases lifted the mood of the makam to the ceiling at some points! Mike's violin brought both liberating and reflexive forces to the songs. Strings compel one's mind into the air and may at once turn it towards the emotions churning in the center of one's belly. Eric, your drumming is the current through which the music leaps. Your solos arrive like a cresting waves in the spring tide. Amos, you are a gifted vocalist and your ud work brilliantly brocades the the fabric of human stories.
Life is too short to withhold appreciation!
You executed the set with careful balance. It developed a momentum from Bekledim De Gelmedim to Nihavent Longa that left the audience desiring more. The intimate studio space was perfect for appreciating the nuances of music and the performers' individual expressiveness. The program sheets invited the audience to bothactively engage the content of the songs and reference the songs in subsequent contemplation and discussion. I introduced two friends to your music last night. They talked about the performance and the genre for the entire ride home and then some before parting ways.
On a lesser, yet laudable note, you all looked quite dapper in your suits.
Finally, the dance segment was splendid. Katy interpreted it thoughtfully and looked exquisite while doing it. I just loved the entire show and could barely remain still. I am afraid this music does not lend itself to a placid posture and with idly folded hands. The music stirs response. Thank you for contributing good music and cultural experiences to our Maine communities.
Thank you boys for this past Friday night in Berkley .... your playing was awesome and you made all of us girls feel comfortable and relaxed. It was a pleasure dancing with you.
Hi Amos and Eric, You guys played beautifully for us in Danbury CT. at our hafla with Riskallah Riyad. Thanks, Looking forward to working with you again. I LOVE all of your CD.s Lorelie
Thanks for the add Okbari! Maine has such wonderful music to offer. WE invite Okbari and friends to join Zemya at our annual House Concert, March 1, 7 pm at New Elm Farm in Freeport. Call 865-0491 for directions. We'll be singing new material from Bulgaria, Croatia, Newfoundland, a Mic Mac songs and others!
I haven't seen you play but would very much like to...I love your music. I take a belly dance class with Jamileh and I actually bought your cd last class so I can practice at home.
