Maarifti Feek — Fairuz

Recorded during the 1980s amidst the turbulent backdrop of the Lebanese Civil War, Maarifti Feek followed the monumental success of 1979's Wahdon, solidifying the revolutionary musical partnership between Fairuz and Ziad Rahbani. Stepping boldly beyond the traditional operatic and folkloric structures of the Rahbani Brothers era, Fairuz embraced Ziad's sophisticated, cosmopolitan blend of Brazilian bossa nova, cool jazz, funk, and modern Western orchestration.

The album opens with the breathtaking title suite "Maarifti Feek," an expansive, seven-minute nocturnal jazz journey driven by warm Fender Rhodes keys, muted brass, and Fairuz’s effortless, crystalline vocals. The record also features "Oughniyat Al Wadaa" ("The Farewell Song"), a haunting and poignant adaptation of Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, alongside the breezy synth-pop sway of "Khallik Bil Bayt" and a reimagined instrumental take on Duke Ellington's "Caravan." It remains one of the most daring, emotionally rich, and musically refined recordings in modern Middle Eastern history.

Pressing Details & Visuals

• Official Wewantsounds Deluxe Edition: Officially reissued on vinyl in direct collaboration with the Rahbani family estate and the original Relax-In catalog.

• Parisian Analog Remastering: Sourced from original master tapes and remastered for vinyl by Colorsound Studio in Paris, giving the delicate acoustic guitar plucks, rich electric piano, and percussion exceptional warmth and room space.

• Faithfully Restored Artwork: Housed in a heavy-cardstock outer jacket reproducing the classic 1987 cassette and LP artwork, complete with original Arabic and English typography.

• Illustrated 2-Page Insert: Includes an exclusive insert featuring rare archival photography and insightful liner notes detailing the album's historical and cultural significance.

Collector's Note: Because the album was originally released in 1987 when vinyl production in Lebanon was severely disrupted by conflict, most listeners originally experienced Maarifti Feek via cassette tapes. This Wewantsounds pressing provides an audiophile-grade revelation, cleanly unveiling the subtle micro-arrangements and acoustic textures Ziad meticulously layered behind Fairuz's vocals.

Tracklist

• Side A: Maarifti Feek | Oughniyat Al Wadaa | Khallik Bil Bayt | Rah Nabqa Sawa

• Side B: Min Hawn | Madinati | Bass Men Baad | Caravan

Technical Specifications