Mumtastic
Shusmo

We say: Palestinian funk fusion

Shusmo is a five-piece "alt-Arab" band led by Palestinian New Yorker Tareq Abboushi that fuses two distinct traditions: classic Arab maqam and Latin-tinged jazz-funk. "Shusmo" roughly translates as "watcha-ma-call-it" in Arabic (or maybe, "watcha-maqam-it") and this seems fitting for a musical hybrid that cannot easily be pigeon-holed into any particular category.

Abboushi has feet firmly planted in both Western and Arab traditions: growing up in Ramallah his ears were exposed to the likes of traditional Arabic music and popular singers like Egyptian diva Oum Kalthoum as well as the Western classical music played by his mother, a piano teacher. Moving to the United States, he studied jazz piano at New Jersey's William Patterson University but since graduating has all but abandoned the piano as an instrument, preferring instead to concentrate on the buzuq — a long-necked lute — which better serves his Palestinian roots.

Shusmo's instrumental lineup consists of Abboushi's buzuq, electric or double bass, clarinet and Arab and Latin percussion. As well as the obvious Arab-funk hybrids here like Long Nakreez, the opening track, there are also Turkish, Kurdish and Latin influences. There are no vocals on Mumtastic apart from very late on in proceedings when they appear briefly on Dal'ona, the final track. However, despite a lack of vocals there's still a political edge: given the daily problems facing Abboushi's homeland, a song simply titled The Wall manages to say plenty without any requirement for words.

Mumtastic is refreshingly lacking in studio production, having a live feel that allows plenty of space for each performer to stretch out and show their skills. It seems clear from this recording that Shusmo are essentially a working band more interested in performing than hanging around in studios. Undoubtedly festival crowd pleasers, this enjoyable collection gives a good impressive of what to expect live.