World on 3 - Hassan Erraji Session

Mary Ann Kennedy with new tracks from across the globe, plus a session with Hassan Erraji, a Moroccan singer and oud player who has just released an acclaimed new album after a musical silence of eight years. "Violin-backed Arabic country hoe-down" is how The Guardian's Robin Denselow has described Hassan Erraji's new album 'Awal Mara'. Hassan Erraji was born blind in Tazart near Marrakech, and studied at the music academy in Casablanca, before moving to Belgium to learn western vioin and piano. He became widely respected as a singer and multi-instrumentalist, and released several albums of traditional Arabic music. 'Awal Mara' represents a rethinking of his musical approach after his long break, joined now by his daughter on backing vocals, and with production by Dave Creffield, best known for his work with the Kaiser Chiefs.