KHASHAB & KAHRABA

 

 

“An Arabic jazz fusion album experience recorded with a diverse selection of guitars, most of the compositions are recorded and arranged twice exploring different arrangements and guitars”

“Khashab & Kahraba” is a literal translation of “Wood & Electricity”; in the Egyptian music scene it is a reference to Electric and Acoustic Guitars and is the first question you are asked when you identify yourself as a guitarist.

In addition, 99.9% of the guitars are made of wood while all recordings are done with mics, preamps and mixers, etc… hence the electricity; so basically everything goes down to khashab & kahraba.

“When composing a track, in my head I always imagine a vast variety of options; so I decided to experiment some of it in this album” Ousso Lotfy

From there came the idea behind “Khashab & Kahraba”; an album recorded with a diverse selection of guitars, most of the compositions are recorded and arranged twice exploring different arrangements and guitars.

Ousso started recording Khashab & Kahraba back in 2014 during his masters in Berklee Valencia, then it was paused for 3 years and re-started in early 2017. The album consists of 15 tracks, most of which were recorded in part in Berklee Valencia Studios and the rest in Ousso’s Studio in Egypt. Apart from the exceptional technicality and amount of effort included in the album, “Khashab & Kahraba” was recorded by an international group of Musicians from countries like Mexico, Spain, Greece, India, US, Puerto Rico, France, Lebanon and Egypt.

Ousso, an Egyptian guitarist, composer and producer, who stepped on every stage with the biggest names in the music scene. He is also a co-founder of Nagham Masry, and HOH, as well as a member of Eftekasat and several other bands.

He acquired his undeniable reputation as a music entrepreneur by supporting independent artists and projects through founding SOS Music Festival (2006-2010) and Ewsal bel3araby in (2016).

Ousso has served the scene on the academic level as a coach, tutor and teacher; where he taught Music Technology and Guitar from 2010 to 2012 in AUC. In addition to giving workshops, teaching guitar and leading a Rock ensemble in Berklee Valencia’s summer program after he graduated from the masters program in July 2013.

The visual interpretation of the album “Khashab & Kahraba” was created by EARTH founders and artists Mohamed Aref and Hoda Ismail.

EARTH GALLERY is an artistic retail store, showcasing the work of its founders, two independent Egyptian artists, Mohamed Aref and Hoda Ismail. Founded in 2012, then later launching EARTH DESIGN STUDIO. EARTH is specialized in visual arts, product design, interior and graphic design. Inspired by ethnic motifs, their work is defined by bold color fusions and a hint of culture.

“Working on this album was one of the best purely artistic experiences I have ever worked on; allowing art to compliment music was truly inspirational as if Music had literally moved the drawing lines” Mohamed Aref

“It was very challenging to produce an artwork only guided by music and not lyrics. It’s like each artwork had a mind of its own, all combined under the same psychedelic, Mediterranean, ethnic spirit.” Hoda Ismail