Rahmann -

Rahmann was a French Zeuhl band that released a self-titled album in 1980 on Ramsès.

Members: Mahamad Hadi (guitar synth, electric guitar, fretless guitar, oud, bouzouki), Amar Mecharaf (drums, percussion), Michel Rutigliano (piano, grand piano, synthesizer), Gérard Prevost (acoustic bass, bass), Louis-César Ewande (percussion), Nadia Yamina Hadi (vocal), Didier Lockwood (violin), Sylvain Marc (bass), Richard Gérard Kurdjian Guem (ney, tabla, darbouka), Lisa Deluxe (vocals), Joël Loviconi (electric piano), Ali Shaigan (violin)

Background

Rahmann formed in 1977 as a French jazz-fusion/Zeuhl project led by Algerian-born guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Mahamad Hadi (b. March 12, 1950; Algiers), who played guitar synth, electric guitar, fretless guitar, oud, bouzouki, and snitra.

Hadi studied classical guitar and composition in Algiers before relocating to Paris, where he worked on free-jazz and fusion sessions, including Chance Evans’ 1976 Reachin’ Back. Keyboardist Michel Rutigliano trained at the Paris Conservatoire and performed in local jazz ensembles. Bassist Gérard Prévost previously recorded with Zao, Forgas, and Antifables. Drummer Amar Mecharaf performed in North African-influenced jazz groups.

Additional members included percussionist Louis-César Ewande, vocalists Nadia Yamina Hadi and Lisa Deluxe, violinists Didier Lockwood and Ali Shaigan, keyboardist Joël Loviconi, and multi-instrumentalist Richard Gérard Kurdjian Guem (ney, tabla, darbouka). The ensemble coalesced through prior collaborations in Paris fusion circles and live performances, and they signed to Ramsès, a Polydor subsidiary.

Rahmann

Rahmann released their self-titled album in January 1980, recorded between February 1977 and May 1978.

The album blends jazz fusion with Zeuhl rhythms and Middle Eastern instrumentation, anchored by Hadi’s angular guitar lines, bouzouki, and oud, supported by layered keyboards, complex percussion, and fretless bass. Didier Lockwood’s violin and Prévost’s bass connect the sound to Magma and Zao traditions.

Hadi wrote or co-wrote the majority of the material, with pianist Michel Rutigliano co-writing “Nadiamina.”

Rahmann opens with “Atlanta,” a North African-inflected piece featuring darbuka, ney, tabla, and vocals from Lisa Deluxe. “Nadiamina” emphasizes percussion and fretless bass alongside Hadi’s guitar work. “Ab” spans nearly eight minutes with shifting time signatures, complex piano, synthesizers, and heavy drums. “Danse Sacrée” foregrounds piano and Didier Lockwood’s violin in Mahavishnu-style passages. “Leïla” combines bouzouki, piano, and rapid guitar over Zeuhl rhythms. The album closes with “Marche Funèbre (Dédiée Au Prophète),” a slow, contemplative piece led by fretless bass and piano.

A1. “Atlanta” (5:25)
A2. “Nadiamina” (6:18)
A3. “Ab” (7:57)

B1. “Danse Sacrée” [“Sacred Dance”] (6:25)
B2. “Leïla” (9:35)
B3. “Marche Funèbre (Dédiée Au Prophète)” [“Funeral March (Dedicated to the Prophet)”] (4:56)

Sessions occurred at Studio Ramsès in Paris with Mahamad Hadi producing and Alain Biliquey engineering, assisted by Laurent Peyron. Bob Ludwig mastered the album.

Rahmann features photography by Ili Zeller.

Bassist Gérard Prévost contributed acoustic and fretless bass, drummer Amar Mecharaf played percussion, and percussionist Louis-César Ewande provided North African instruments. Pianist Michel Rutigliano performed acoustic and electric piano.