Amazing Egyptian Jazz! In 1972, Salah Ragab (a drummer in the Egyptian army) formed the Cairo Jazz Band and recorded a session to commemorate the state visit of US president Nixon. Only a few copies of this LP survive – along with an even rarer 45. Similar to the Ethio Jazz of Mulatu Astatke, the sound sits in between the Jazz of the West and the melodies of the East. ‘Egypt Strut’ - originally released on a 7” single pressed by the Egyptian ministry of culture – is Salah’s response to the evergreen ‘Watermelon Man’. Snapping drums, Eastern piano and horns and an off-kilter groove make up a future jazz club classic! A: Egypt Strut B: Neveen