BEJE's ADVENTURES in MIDDLE EASTERN-JAZZ FUSION

Original contemporary jazz by the acclaimed ensemble BEJE inspired by the Middle East and in honour of Palestinian resilience.

“Such a privilege to hear master musicians and see them perform with such dedication. One of the best musical experiences I have ever had. Their music seems to come from pain yet is full of hope.” Audience member St George's Bristol

Knud Stuwe-oud, composer
Mina Salama-ney oud and duduk
David Mowat-trumpet and flugel horn, composer
Paolo Adamo-drums
Andy Hamil-double bass
Timothy Funnell-piano, composer

Since 2018 when Knud Stuwe (Eastern Strings) and David Mowat (Cotham Club curator) were on British Council-sponsored tour of Palestine and met Faris Ishaq, the Coltrane-inspired ney Master, BEJE have created and performed jazz inspired by Middle Eastern music, especially Lebanese oud Master Rabih Abou-Khalil (see sample below).

In May 2026 BEJE's album 'Sumud Dance', inspired by Palestinian resilience, was recorded with Faris guesting on some tracks. It will be launched May 28th 2027 at World Heart Beat in London. Tracks from the album will be performed at this concert.

Meanwhile Faris' solo career is taking him round the world and BEJE is setting off across the border to Egypt to team up with acclaimed ney player Mina Salama. Mina will be the ney player on the album tour in 2027.

Mina Salama worked as a ney, piano, and keyboard principal player at the Egyptian Opera House from 2004 to 2012, also serving there as Assistant Maestro. He directs and has toured internationally with several choirs of the Coptic Church, and is a recognised expert in Coptic Music, often appearing on BBC Radio 6. He has performed at numerous festivals in the UK, such as Edinburgh Festival, Celebrating Sanctuary Southbank, AHRC Connected Communities Festival Cardiff, Journeys Festival, Manchester Bridgewater Hall, Platforma Festival, Musicport. He is on several Rafiki Jazz albums.

BEJE have several other projects: BEJE with Enrico Merlin the 'Electric Miles' musicologist, Yunmi Sang and the BEJE Trio, and the Bristol Griot with Moussa Kouyate.

All message through inter-cultural music that humankind is one and we face our perils best together.

‘A vibrant contemporary jazz argument for international cultural exchange’ Tony Benjamin 24/7

‘BEJE tap a rich vein of global sources and infuse it with an inspired freshness’ Bridport Arts Centre

‘…this exhilarating evening of playing, which was both sensitively  lyrical and full of zest.’ Bristol Music Club

“A joyous team of first-rate musicians, exploring the space between middle-eastern folk and European jazz, with 'new world' influences. Subtle, mellow airs interspersed with rousing rhythmic grooves and rich soundscapes. There is a strong message, transmitted as much through the vitality of the music as by word.” Nicholas Worman, musician

There will be a bar and an interval