My 3 fave drum solos of all time are his: West Naima, Khatwet Serena, and Samya's Solo (all from the Sabla Tolo CD). I have several more of his solos on my "to learn" list from the Sabla Tolo 2 CD. If time permitted, I'd have all of the tracks from both of these CDs committed to memory! I also love Bahlam Beek from his Best of Abdul Halim Hafiz CD. it's a lovely song.

From a dancer's perspective, his drum solos are just so interesting to dance to. In particular, Khatwet Serena I find very dramatic. I'm no musician so I don't know what the musician's term for a "quiet space" in a song is, but there is this part of the song where the music just stops and goes quiet, and then is broken up by interjections of drum beats. I find that by taking the time to learn where those quiet bits are and how he breaks them up, and to TIME IT just right by translating them into body movements, the audience really loves it (because it's so unexpected). I've always gotten lots of applause during that part of the song.

I'm a Ramzy addict... I need MORE!!

HI Eric,
I think for me, what moves me to dance to Hossams music is his big lush sound, and of course his Masterful drumming. His music stirs up loads of emotion that comes through in the movement of the dancer.
My most favorite album of his i think would have to be "Immortal Egypt" for its mysterious and sensuous sounds, not only for dancing too, but to just lay down and listen to , and the all time old classic "Aziza" I love to dance to this piece, his arrangement is quite dramatic and one day i will perform to it in performance.

Also, whats important to me about his music is that i am a Free style dancer, preferring to not utilize choreography, and his music is great for this on the spot style of dancing...i have about 5 of his albums, and need to get a few more.
-Pias