World fusion with middle eastern influence.

9 MP3 Songs
WORLD: World Fusion, WORLD: Middle East



Details:
Jim Matus, guitarist/composer of the critically acclaimed band PARANOISE, has created a new band, MAWWAL. This is a further refinement of Matusâ unique world fusion style. MAWWAL is long established and highly acclaimed on the New England club and festival circuit. MAWWAL performs both original music and arrangements of traditional Middle Eastern music in a spirited and beautiful trance-inducing ensemble. Inventive vocal arrangements in English and Arabic weave through the laouto (Greek lute) and violin, augmented by traditional percussion (tabla, dumbek, frame drum, riq) in what has been called a "new genre" by Progression Magazine.

Throughout the Middle East "Mawwal" is a form of popular music that often criticizes society and is performed through improvisation. ==========================================================

Featured prominently on bass is Percy Jones (Brand X, Brian Eno, David Sylvian, Tunnels). The record also contains two previously unreleased songs, featuring legendary Qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (tracks 2 and 6).

"We were given permission to use these tracks by the lawyer for Nusrat's estate. I isolated the vocal and wrote totally new music around his voice, creating an original and smooth blend of the Mawwal band and the beautiful voice of this great master."
(Jim Matus)

"For fans of Peter Gabrielâs brand of world music, Mawwal should be the next step, as this is the most advanced fusion of Middle Eastern and western progressive music weâve heard."
-Kenisis

"Inspired by musicians like Peter Gabriel, Karsh Kale, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Hamza el Din, Mawwal takes world music in an entirely new direction.â
(Sheryl Hunter, critic, The Recorder, Greenfield, MA)