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Desert Nights, Desert Knights, IAMED trophy

 

About Desert Knights

 

Adam Burke and William Warren formed Desert Knights in order to compose and perform new music for belly dancers and as part of their continuing exploration of music from other cultures.  They play many original compositions, as well as both popular and traditional Middle-Eastern pieces.  Adam and William play stringed instruments, keyboards, drums, and other percussion instruments, and they have collaborated in a variety of musical styles for nearly a decade. Desert Knights, their current ensemble, has performed since 1997 in a number of settings including Cox Cable's The Joy of Belly Dancing, hosted by Yasmina, the SCA AZ "Estrella" Wars, parties, restaurants, and art galleries. Their performances have also been featured on local network affiliate television news and radio programs.  Currently, they are working on their second album, "Camelback," as well as continuing to promote their first album, "Desert Nights," released at the beginning of 1998.

"Desert Nights," was deemed "Winner of the 1998 International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance Award for Best Music." 

It is available (on CD and cassette) through many national/international distributors. Their award-winning album features 11 new, original compositions, as well as a new arrangement of the traditional favorite, "Ay Ya Zein."

Both belly dancers and fans of global beat or world music love this album, which features oud, saz, mandolin, and guitars, as well as keyboards, drums, and other percussion instruments. Desert Nights continues to sell throughout the US and beyond. Since its release in 1997, their music has been broadcast on many radio and television programs.

Adam Burke is a visual artist, as well as musician, and a life-long resident of Phoenix, Arizona. He has studied North Indian Classical music under Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Ustad Faiyez Ali Khan and Pandit Jasraj. In addition to belly dance music, he continues to perform devotional styles of music, as well as rock and other related forms. He has written articles for Zaghareet!, Jareeda, Bhuz.com, and Arizona's AMEDA magazines. William Warren also was born in Phoenix. He has specialized in a wide variety of musical styles and instruments and has attended classes in Middle Eastern styles given by Omar Faruk Tekbilek and other renowned musicians. He performs with Andrea's Blue Dragon ATS troupe in and around northern Arizona.

Desert Knights may be available for live performances in your area. Contact them today!

Desert Knights -- PO Box 15051 Phoenix, AZ 85060-5051