Habibi Funk 036: Pieces Of A Dream

Recorded between 1988 and 1989 in a small eight-track home studio in Amman, Pieces Of A Dream captures a rarely documented corner of the Arab music scene: late-80s Jordanian musicians reaching toward jazz, soul, yacht rock and city pop. Nechazz were formed by Palestinian-Jordanian musicians Basim Said and Khaldoon Nasser, alongside Iraqi singer and guitarist Kassim Sabounchi. The trio became known for live shows at Amman’s iconic Rumours club, but these recordings were never officially released and remained unheard, even by friends and family. The album blends smooth R&B, jazz and sophisticated pop, with shades of Bobby Caldwell, Steely Dan, Michael Franks, early George Michael, Tears For Fears, Level 42 and Stevie Wonder. Love Meeting Love and Over You shine with harmonies, synths and serious musicianship. Found on a family cassette archive, this Habibi Funk release is a beautiful rediscovery.