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The Henkesh Family

Perhaps you've heard of them. The eldest son, Sayed, helped Karin Van Nieuwkerk
with her research for A Trade Like Any Other. He plays the accordion and has
accompanied many of Egypt's stars, such as dancers Lucy and Ida Nour.

Another, Khamis, is the tabla virtuoso featured on
Piranha's albums Mokhtar al Said and Drummers of the
Nile. Two other brothers are also percussionists, Reda and
Ramadan.

Their father, Rayes Henkesh, an accordion master, was well-known on
Mohammad Ali Street during Cairo's golden days. He was in great
demand for weddings and other celebrations. The family still owns a
musical instrument store there, which is full of wonderful traditional
instruments. Listen to a clip from some of his wonderful drum solos,
soon to be released on The Sands of Time
- Sout al Beled label. Khamis can also be
heard playing on Cry to the Moon, where
he has an 8 min drum solo.

The third generation continues the
family's musical gifts. Karim Henkesh, Sayed's son, is a gifted violin player and
Conservatory graduate. His heart felt taqsims and renditions of Om Kalthoum's
repertory can be enjoyed on Cry to the Moon.