Nizar Rohana Trio

The Nizar Rohana Trio combines Oud, double bass, and percussion to perform an original repertoire that blends Arabic and Middle Eastern traditions with a diverse range of influences, including jazz and Western classical music. Formed in 2013, the trio was originally composed of Nizar Rohana, the late Hungarian double bass legend Matyas Szandai, and French-Lebanese percussionist Wassim Halal. In 2016, they released their album Furat (Euphrates). In 2024, Rohana reimagined the trio with renowned musicians Tony Overwater on double bass and Ruven Ruppik on percussion. Tony Overwater is an award-winning bassist whose distinctive sound and unique playing style have made him a prominent figure in the European music scene. A celebrated solo performer and leader of his own projects, he is also a versatile and attentive sideman. Overwater is particularly known for his pioneering work in Arab music and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Lebanese singer Rima Khcheich, the late Said Chraibi, the Rembrandt Frerichs Trio, Yuri Honing, Kayhan Kalhor, and Hussein Alizadeh. Ruven Ruppik, a versatile percussionist, specializes in traditional music styles, drawing inspiration from the blending of diverse musical cultures. His sound is shaped by influences from Flamenco, Mediterranean, Turkish, Latin, and Brazilian music. Ruppik has worked with a wide range of distinguished artists, including Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Estrella Morente, Paco Peña, Kudsi Erguner, and Nai Barghouti.