"Volumes are spoken without words as these extraordinary musicians bring
their talents to bear on traditional ethnic musics..."

"Salaam" is the Arabic word for "peace". The ensemble Salaam explores a cultural mosaic of music from countries of the Middle East and North Africa . Their innovative arrangements, improvisations, and compositions reflect the traditional styles of these countries as well as the band's fresh interpretations. Their musical goal is to bring the beauty of other cultures to children and adults alike.

Each member of Salaam is well versed on many instruments, both Western and traditional, giving the group the flexibility to evoke the many colors, textures, and sounds of the Middle East. Western string instruments blend with the Arabic 'oud and the Azerbaijani kemanche, while clarinet and silver flute blend with the ney. The driving rhythms of darbukkas and riqqs move the ensemble and the audience forward.

Salaam has been together since 1993, and has played with international artists including Real World recording artists, The Master Musicians of Jajouka, Grammy Award winner, Youssou N’Dour, Moroccan Gnawa musician, Hassan Hakmoun, Iraqi Maqam master, Hamid El-Saadi, Turkish multi-instrumentalist, Emin S. Sağbaş and world-renowned Azeri Kemanche player, Munis Sharifov.