Songs For Sad Women (2007)

"Newcomers to Abou-Khalil can start here with confidence. Although the instrumentation of oud, serpent, duduk and drums may look exotic, the sound is easy on the ear. The serpent, an ancient blown instrument vaguely like a tuba or euphonium - played here by Michel Godard - largely fulfils the role of bass, but there is a fascinating serpent solo midway through “Para O Teu Bumbum” which reveals the instrument’s versatility and hidden depths. For a prime example of the group sound, listen to “Le Train Bleu”, with its half-familiar melodic line, the kind you can sing along to on the second listen. It's just one of the wonders of this album..." (bbc.co.uk)