The English word bedouin comes from the Arabic badawī, which means "desert-dweller", and is traditionally contrasted with ḥāḍir, the term for sedentary people. 

The concept of a nomad  can be romantic to some people, to others it can be a test of ones own faculties. For to be constantly on the move can take a toll no matter how strong you are. Much like nomads. musicians are also mobile tribes whether we like it or not. We play with who accepts us. We play our music here there and everywhere we can get a gig, we go where the going is good. A constant test of your faculties.

In a way this song is a tribute to all nomadic people. A feeling Duke Pearson knew well:

“Bedouin, according to Duke was ”inspired by a tune that I wrote for Grant Green entitled Nomad. It has an Eastern sound and it could also serve as a dedication to the musicians in their many travels. I espeically like all of the solos on this one and think my own best solo is included here." There is a blues basis to the Oriental motif, but it derives a very specialy quality thorugh the moans and wails of Spaulding's flute. Notice, too, the impact of the insistent rhythmic background with Duke Mickey repeat an intriguing three-accent figure." 

- Leonard Feather (Liner Notes for Wahoo!)

Duke Pearson was for years Blue Notes chameleon their MVP, from comping sideman dates to leading his own combo and a big band co-led with Donald Byrd even becoming Blues Notes A&R man, he could do it all. He was essential to Blue Notes Golden Age.

Like a wise man once said: “There's 3 dukes you need to know in this music and thats Ellington, Jordan, and Pearson.”

Please enjoy this transcription and keep playing Pearsons music.

Peace and Love 

Jake