Joseph Tawadros – Permission to Evaporate

To any fan of world music, Joseph Tawadros needs no introduction. The Egyptian-born Australian has carved out a reputation as one of the leading oud virtuosos and composers in the world. Now, Tawadros has broken new ground with his 11th studio album, the fruits of a mere two days recording in New York.

For this album Tawadros has assembled a group of world renowned musicians to accompany him, including his brother James playing Egyptian percussion instruments the req and bendir, leading Australian jazz pianist Matt McMahon, and American jazz legends Mike Stern on guitar and Christian McBride with the double bass.

Permission to Evaporate represents a new chapter in Tawadros’ music-making. Perhaps his most emotionally charged offering yet, the album alternates between thrilling and furiously paced numbers and beautifully introspective and tranquil tracks. By collaborating with guest artists from across the musical world, Tawadros has produced an album that takes inspiration from a wide variety of styles and sounds from bluegrass to world, jazz to folk – all drawn together by Tawadros’ trademark virtuosity and lyricism and by the stunning musicality of the oud.

The twin ARIA award winning artist continues to mount a case for the brilliance of his instrument and time and again has shown the versatility and power of the oud. Permission to Evaporate is no exception.