At a concert where Hbeisch plays in 1998, Al Khatib is impressed by “the creativity of this first-class percussionist”. Four years follow. They both teach in the Conservatory of East Jerusalem, complicity grows. But the project of a common creation meets obstacles.

In february 2012, they at last record Sabîl – and the CD gives its name to the Duo. The Institut du Monde arabe in Paris immediately wants to produce it. It is distributed by Harmunia mundi. Mezzo selects it in the top 5 of best jazz CDs of the month. France Musique, the BBC... An authority in world music, the British magazine Songlines distinguishes the CD as “Top of the world” in July. Excellent reports also appeared in main French writen medias (Télérama, Mondomix,...).

Masters of oud and rythm Ahmad Al Khatib and Youssef Hbeisch express through music a thirst for freedom which revives classicism. Inventiveness combined with refinement, inwardness mingled with energy, generate emotion among all listeners.

The duo performed in the Oud Festival of the Institut du Monde Arabe, in the Suds of Arles, in the Festival de Chaillol, the Écume Festival of Marseille, the Rencontres artistiques du Var, the festival Autres Rivages (France), the Jerusalem Music Festival (Palestine), the Jyva'Zik Festival (Belgium).