… Forgive me for the puns in the title, but this version of Stairway is so enchantingly wonderful I just couldn’t help myself. It’s not everyday that you hear someone playing an Oud so skillfully while simultaneously bridging the medieval music elements of both East & West while covering the mightiest song in the Rock canon.
Egypt’s own Ramy Adly, a master soloist of the traditional oud, takes on Stairway in this video. Featuring pro-shot visuals that capture Ramy playing and wandering in the natural world, this version of Stairway to Heaven is fantastic.
There’s an awesome little Eastern motif oud break at 1:52 right before a transition into the chorus that is a perfect little insert into the song, and his Oud version of the Jimmy Page guitar solo is true to the original while still showcasing the instrument’s unique strengths and timbres. In the post-solo section Ramy appears clad all in white, and he is positively beaming in a transcendent moment that can only be achieved through the joyous celebration of life through music.
You’ll enjoy Ramy’s interpretation for sure – and please feel free to check out his YouTube channel for more oud goodness. Ramy is a great musical and cultural ambassador and he has some real cool things online to listen to.
Feature Image Credit:”Oud” by Al.Eyad by (C.C. by 2.0)