Anders Hagberg – flutes, soprano saxophone, composer Ahmad al Khatib – oud, composer The purpose of the project has been to develop and to create a more profound understanding of the music from our two cultures and to integrate these experiences in improvisation and composition. Based on modal improvisation, we have examined the similarities and differences between the Arabic Maqam system and modality in jazz, particularly in Nordic improvised music. We have explored the interfaces between our musical expressions and have created music that has its starting point in our traditions, reaching towards a new synthesis. The importance of sound (timbre) and silence as carriers of expression and narrative is a central part of our work. Our ambition has been to develop new music; A Melodic Melange of Nordic improvised music and Arabic maqam music.