A Time of Peace is an instrumental collection of Christmas songs performed on traditional Middle Eastern instruments by Brothers of the Baladi, in the true spirit of the holidays. If a cold desert night were bathed by the light of the crescent moon and a wiseman’s star, if the sounds of string, flute, and drum silenced the anxious cries of battle, it would be a night when warriors of different faiths would share the melodies of their homelands and of Holy Days long ago. It would be a night of harmony and a time of peace. The Brothers’ versions of “Little Drummer Boy,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World,” “Deck the Halls,” and “The First Noel” particularly stand out as favorites. No one has ever presented such a gorgeous collection of Middle Eastern instruments playing favorite holiday songs. Features Ishmael, master of the kanoon (an eighty-four-string Middle Eastern hammer dulcimer), as well as Stephen Skaggs on oud and Steve Flynn on Turkish ney (flute). Brothers of the Baladi are one of the largest sellers of belly dance music, both nationally and internationally.

Featured Artists
Michael Beach, darbuka, doumbek, zarb, zurna, riq, davul, tar, kashiklar/Ishmael, kanoon/Stephen Skaggs, oud/Steve Flynn, ney/ J. Michael Kearsey, acoustic fretless bass

Press Quotes
“A sound that knows no borders.” — LA TIMES

“A delightful oasis of sensual rhythms and superb musicianship that makes you dance. I always enjoy sharing the bill with these entertaining performers.” — MARIA MULDAUR

“Very hip – very unique.” — LEON REDBONE

“Brothers of the Baladi are the ‘real deal’ – a fresh take on an ancient idea.” — THE BEAT

“Infectiously danceable – will lure congregates to the floor, the seats of chairs, maybe even table tops.” — ARTVOICE