Revolutionizing Fusion Rock: Abbas Sharif Alaskari’s Unique Approach to Guitar and Composition

Few musicians dare to redefine genres, and even fewer succeed. Abbas Sharif Al askari, a British guitarist, composer, and music producer, has done exactly that—pioneering a sound that fuses Middle Eastern maqam scales with British rock and progressive elements. With a career spanning the UK and the UAE, his innovative approach to guitar playing and composition has set him apart as a trailblazer in fusion rock.

A Distinctive Guitar Style: The Sound of Two Worlds

Alaskari’s playing is instantly recognizable, thanks to his mastery of both Western rock techniques and Middle Eastern microtonal phrasing. His signature style includes:

• Fretless Guitar Techniques – Inspired by the oud, Alaskari’s use of fretless and quarter-tone bending adds a fluid, vocal-like quality to his solos.
• Complex Rhythmic Structures – His compositions often feature unconventional time signatures, influenced by traditional Arabic rhythms.
• Atmospheric Soundscapes – By layering reverb-heavy textures and intricate delays, he creates a cinematic depth reminiscent of both classic rock and Middle Eastern desert soundscapes.
• Live Looping and Experimental Effects – His performances incorporate live looping and experimental pedalwork, blending analog warmth with modern digital effects.

This hybrid approach allows him to create emotive, dynamic compositions that feel both ancient and contemporary—bridging the gap between two rich musical traditions.

From London’s Underground to Dubai’s Fusion Scene

Alaskari’s journey began in London, where he studied at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP). Immersed in the city’s vibrant rock and blues scene, he performed at renowned venues like The 100 Club, Camden Assembly, and The Jazz Café. However, even in his early years, he was drawn to the idea of fusing Eastern and Western musical elements.

In 2013, Alaskari moved to Dubai, a turning point in his career. He co-founded Desert Echoes, a fusion rock band that blended progressive rock with Middle Eastern melodies. The band’s three studio albums—

• Echoes of the Dunes (2015)
• Sands of Sound (2018)
• Lost in the Mirage (2021)

—helped redefine Dubai’s indie music scene. By integrating Arabic maqam-based improvisation into progressive rock frameworks, Alaskari’s sound became emblematic of a new fusion movement.

Beyond the band, he worked as a producer and sound engineer at Soundscape Studios, Dubai, where he collaborated with local artists and composed for independent films and TV commercials.

A Return to the UK and a New Creative Chapter

After a decade in the UAE, Alaskari returned to London in 2023, now focused on his solo career. His upcoming album, Between Two Worlds, is a deeply personal reflection on his experiences navigating two cultures. This album promises to push the boundaries of fusion rock even further, featuring:

• Collaborations with both Western and Middle Eastern musicians.
• A blend of traditional Arabic instruments and modern rock production.
• Lyrical themes exploring identity, nostalgia, and musical heritage.

In addition to his solo work, he is shaping the next generation of fusion musicians. As an instructor at the British & Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM), London, and through his online music academy, he mentors guitarists in the art of musical fusion—helping them explore new sonic territories beyond traditional genre constraints.

Pioneering the Future of Fusion Rock

Abbas Sharif Alaskari’s approach to music is more than just technical innovation—it’s a cultural dialogue. By blending the raw energy of British rock with the intricate beauty of Middle Eastern music, he has created a genre-defying sound that resonates with audiences across the world.

As he prepares to release Between Two Worlds, it’s clear that his journey is far from over. His ability to merge traditions while forging something entirely new cements his place as one of the most forward-thinking guitarists and composers of his generation.

With every note he plays, Abbas Sharif Alaskari is proving that music knows no borders—only endless possibilities.