East Meets West (Ahmed Abdul-Malik album)

East Meets West is a studio album by American jazz double bassist and oud player Ahmed Abdul-Malik, released in 1959 on RCA Victor Records. The album is notable for its fusion of jazz with Middle Eastern and North African musical elements, reflecting Abdul-Malik's interest in and exploration of his Sudanese heritage and Islamic faith. The album features Abdul-Malik on bass and oud, alongside musicians such as Johnny Griffin on tenor saxophone, Lee Morgan on trumpet, and Bilal Abdurahman (formerly known as Bill Hardman) on trumpet. The repertoire includes original compositions by Abdul-Malik, as well as traditional Middle Eastern melodies, arranged and interpreted in a jazz context. East Meets West is considered a pioneering work in the genre of world jazz and is praised for its innovative blending of musical traditions. It exemplifies Abdul-Malik's commitment to musical and cultural integration.