Ilham Al Madfai was and still considered a legend in the history of Iraqi music. He is the one who brought western music (guitar, bass, drums, organ) to Iraq and transformed traditional Iraqi Maqam songs into something musically new no one has seen or done before, taking his first band, The Twisters, into fame in Iraqi music scene.
Ilham Al Madfa is till this day an influence to thousands, if not millions of Iraqis, young and old, men and women.
Below are songs of a performance live during 1970's of "foug al nakhal" and "chel chel" songs. I think Ilham Al Madfai is using Guitar Flanger Effects on the first song.
Listen to the dominant bass lines on the below songs, obvious influence of Jazz combined with chacha rhythm. Listen to how the Hammond organ is doing harmonies and melodies fills, simply amazing.
This song is one of my ever favorite... I love the chromatic bass there aligned with the warm voice singing the song.
According to the official website, Ilham Al Madfai is now recording his new album between Amman and Beirut.
Source of the videos are from IraqiBaghdad2009.
