No Blues

by Steve LeggettSpecializing in a unique worldbeat hybrid of American folk, blues, and the rhythmically unfixed Middle Eastern traditional style known as taqsim, Netherlands-based No Blues call what they play "Arabicana," and it's an apt term. Essentially a trio of American, Middle Eastern, and Dutch musicians, with ex-Deirdre and W.A.T. member Ad Van Meurs on guitar, Haytham Safia on oud, and former Marbletones member Anne-Maarten Van Heuvelen on bass, No Blues also featured percussionist Osama Maleegi, vocalist Ankie Keultjes, and drummer Eric Vanderlest on 2005's Farewell Shalabiye and 2007's Ya Dunya (which also included a prominent and active guest spot from Tracy Bonham on violin and vocals).