Eastside’s Album for March 2011
The Hour of Separation – Joseph Tawadros
Australia’s very own Oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros seems to be a kind of Renaissance man when it comes to recording. With the anticipation of each release there seems to be an air of surprise and mystery, His new releaseThe Hour of Separation is no different.
A musician of the highest calibre, Tawadros continues to tastefully push the boundaries of the Oud, discovering new musical territory through his virtuosity, soulful compositions, and extraordinary vision as a collaborator. In this highly anticipated record, Joseph and his brother go to New York to team up with three celebrated international jazz luminaries.
Partnering him on this special recording is one of the fathers of jazz guitar, John Abercrombie. Virtuoso bassist John Patitucci; a cornerstone of jazz double bass who’s most notably known for his work with Chick Corea and very Special Guest, Jack DeJohnette. Widely regarded as jazz music’s greatest drummer, Jack has performed with such legends as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Chet Baker and Thelonious Monk to name a few. This recording also features the young percussion prodigy James Tawadros, the brother of Joseph and who happens to be a world acclaimed Egyptian percussion master at the tender age of 21. An incredible line-up any way you look at it, and the envy of any jazz musician world wide.
Recorded at Avatar studios in New York earlier this year, the new album features 15 original compositions, 14 composed by Joseph, and 1 track, a duet between the young James and the legendary DeJohnette. It is a diverse recording which has a great depth of emotion and subtlety, as well as fiery virtuosity and energy. It is a real unique type of world music which seamlessly blends jazz with Egyptian influences into one idiom.
Born in Cairo in 1983, Joseph came to Australia at 2 years of age. By the age of 12 he was a seasoned concert performer. He was encouraged to explore the musical parameters of the instrument and the traditional Egyptian Taqasim, a performing style based on modal improvisation. Tawadros has one many awards including four limelight awards for world music, the Freedman fellowship for classic music and been nominated four times for an ARIA and twice for Young Australian of the year.
The Hour of Separation by Joseph Tawadros is available now through The Planet Company.
Joseph Tawadros (Oud), Matt McMahon (Piano), Dimitri Vouras (Clarinet) and James Tawadros (Egyptian Percussion) are giving their first Sydney Concert of the year on Thursday, 3rd March, 2011, 8pm at TOM MANN THEATRE, 136 Chalmers St, Surrey Hills.