For some people, oud is an old instrument that time has nearly forgotten and don't have a place in modern music making except maybe just in the Middle East. To musician and oud player Azoz al Hajri, this is a disappointing misconception and just proves that more efforts had to be made to bring back the instrument into modern consciousness.
"As an oud performer, oud can definitely be used even for modern music and can be a great addition to any modern band. I have composed modern and western music using it and these compositions, which I normally play in some of the soirees I attend, give a taste of the possibilities. People always find it fascinating," he said.
But to play the instrument well, you need to master how it works. Unlike the guitar, oud is more sensitive and there are lots of nuances that give you a variety of sounds.
"Oud has this amazing feature where there are no frets. The slightest movement of your fingers gives a different sound and scale. Once you fully master it, it opens a lot of windows for innovation, unlike most instruments. For me, Oud is as flexible as water and will take the shape and form you prefer," Azoz said.
Azoz has been playing the Oud for about 10 years now. Growing up in the Middle East and especially in Oman, it is a very popular instrument that gives out warm music.
"I have always enjoyed listening to music. I just woke up one day and realised, why am I not making it?" he said.
"I have an odd attachment to this instrument. Even before picking it up, I was already impressed by what it can do as it is prominently used in the Arabic region and is very famous. The sound it makes always made that warm feeling both in my ears and soul," he said.
As a musician, Azoz also has to learn other instruments. He eventually learned how to play the piano, moved to guitar and focused on that instrument for some time but eventually found his way back to playing the oud. To become a professional in Oud playing, he has to obtain an academic certificate from the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth.
"As an oud performer, I always like to present new colour of music to my audience. Even when I'm doing a cover or rendition of a song or piece of music, I always find a way to give it my own touch to make it a totally different experience both for me and my listeners," he said.
Azoz has varied interests when it comes to music and loves switching between classical, modern, eastern and western music. He has performed in different venues in Oman, was part of a musical feature presented for the National TV channel of Oman and before Covid19, had different gigs in small intimate venues.
"I also compose music and lyrics. One of my compositions using oud was an ode to Oman's Renaissance Day called "Goodness of Oman," he said.
Currently an instructor for the Music Palace at Al Mouj, he said that there are no special tricks on how to play the instrument well except putting the hours to practise.
"There are no shortcuts. For those who had started playing the instrument, to become a good oud performer, you really have to work hard to give your soul to it. When you put in the hours to practice, you'd advance in learning," he said.
Azoz is working on a few arrangements which he will perform soon in a gallery that is opening in Muttrah.
To find out more about Azoz and his performance, you can follow him through his Instagram @Aze93zo.
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