Remembering HOSSAM RAMZY
by Alex Pertout
In the early 90s, as part of my endless research into world percussive genres, instruments and percussionists, I came across the remarkable work of Hossam Ramzy. He had released an outstanding recording titled ‘Rhythms of the Nile’ showcasing the intricacies of various Egyptian percussion instruments and associated rhythmic styles. Within that timeless album lied the beauty of an array of styles such as masmoudi, malfuf and zaar, as well as the intricate rhythmic parts employed by instruments such as the reque, mazhar, sagat, as well as Hossam’s beloved Egyptian tabla. I remember writing to him after discovering that special album. We soon developed a life-long friendship.
Hossam was born in Heliopolis, a suburb in Cairo. His passion for percussion started at a young age, gaining deep insights into the cultural origins of Middle Eastern music that informed his eventual career direction. An eclectic music devotee, he soon became immersed in the sounds of jazz luminaries Miles Davis, Chick Corea and the Mahavishnu Orchestra and decided to relocate to England to pursue studies in jazz drumming. In London he embarked on drum kit studies with renowned educator Joel Rothmans. Before long, he was asked to join saxophonist Andy Sheppard’s ensemble. A chance visit to an Arabian nightclub in London one night, brought back his passion for Middle Eastern music and associated drumming styles, finding himself back in Cairo immersed in re-investigating his cultural musical roots.
Returning to England he held workshops on Egyptian styles and commenced his career-long association with dancers. He told me that due to the frequent requests from dancers for a ‘practice along’ recording of Egyptian rhythms, that the album ‘Rhythms of the Nile’ was born. That recording open new pathways and was later vital in his future involvement with Peter Gabriel, who upon hearing the recording, invited Hossam to contribute to his productions.
Over the years he established himself as most sought-after Egyptian percussionist in the world. His wide-ranging career documented by his contributions to countless recordings and live performances, with artists such as Loreena McKenitt, Joe Bonamassa, Pino Danelli, Chick Corea, Joan Armatrading, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Electric Light Orchestra, Shakira, Boy George, Marc Almond, Rolling Stones, Sting, Ricky Martin, Barbara Thomson, Debbie Harry, Gypsy Kings, Big Country and Paul Young to name just a few. He also took part on many soundtracks including ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’, ‘Stargate’, ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ and ‘Wings of a Dove’.
In 1994 he was invited by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zepellin fame, to organise and direct an ensemble of Arabian musicians for a new project that was to include a major international tour for several years. This remarkable occasion is well documented in the album and video ‘No Quarter - Unledded’. Hossam released his own projects through the ARC label, the extensive catalogue found there documents a creative life encompassing many genres. He was also deeply committed to Egyptian music dance and drumming throughout his life. In England along with partner and dancer Serena Ramzy, he established the Drumzy School of Music and Dance. For decades the school presented masterclasses and workshops around the world, further showcasing him as an incomparable representative of Egyptian culture.
Over the decades, we always kept in touch. He visited Australia on many occasions. At times to conduct dance and drumming workshops, on other occasions as part of an ensemble on a major international tour. Whenever he was in town he would always be eager to meet and take part in musical endeavors. Over the years he took part in recordings in my studio and in performances with my ensemble, notably a special sold-out night at Bennets Lane. He also took part in stimulating masterclasses as my guest of the Jazz Department at the VCA.
I visited him whenever I was in England and we would spend time in his Sussex home studio. Hossam eagerly showing me projects he was embarking upon. He was always fascinated by the connection of diverse rhythmical cultural styles, something that as percussionists we would often discuss at length. Hossam performed on many of my own productions over the years. I would hear his touch on tracks I was developing and I would soon contact him. Eventually many of these became recording sessions via file share, once that system came to play. Needless to say, it always worked perfectly. His touch and overall contribution, superb. I am currently working on two recording projects; one of new compositions for ensemble, whilst the other is a showcase of percussion pieces, Hossam features and shines on both.
​
Hossam Ramzy, percussionist, composer, arranger, producer, recording artist, ensemble leader, educator, researcher, sadly passed away on the 10 of September 2019 while in Brazil presenting workshops, he was 65. Heartfelt condolences to the Ramzy family. My special thanks to Serena and son Amir for their friendship, further information and photographs.
Portrait photograph courtesy of Amir Ramzy
Bennetts Lane Jazz Club photograph by Vince Monea
© 2020 Alex Pertout. Published by Drumscene Magazine​.