On Sept. 20, Mohamed Abozekry brought a sizzling fresh taste of music to Tucson. Within the Century Room of Hotel Congress, the electric candlelight of the club grew dim. Shadows were cast on the patrons while the stage lights beamed brighter. After a short introduction for the night’s entertainment, Abozekry entered the stage along with five fellow musicians.
What started as a melancholy and quiet performance grew into a vibrant display of energy that splashed in waves across the room. It was like listening to a babbling brook of music transform into a raging river of Jazz-Egyptian hybrid songs.
“Since I have released my album, ‘Roh El Fouad’, [it] was more about collaborative sound between oriental, Jazz and a lot of fusion between music stars and stuff like that,” Abozekry said, after the show.
His prior works lend to his creativity, such as blending the music of multiple cultures to create a new experience. Language barriers in the songs feel almost absent, as music can be a communicative experience on its own. By the end of the night, the whole club was singing along.
“A lot of people here didn’t know each other before the tour,” Abozekry said when discussing his cohorts. He expressed that their attitude towards the music could be compared to their budding relationships with each other. The songs came together as they grew to know and enjoy one another’s company.
His fellow musicians include Camille Maussion on saxophone, George Nabil on keyboard, André Segone on bass guitar, Wadie Naim on percussion and Elé Howell on drums.
This performance was only one in a tour across the United States. Having started with the show in Tucson, the sextet will go on to visit Baltimore, Maryland, Chicago, New York and more.
“I’m always looking forward to reaching out as much as I can to people,” Abozekry said. “At the same time, I look forward to getting to know people on tour.”
According to Abozekry, together they have spent about a week in Arizona rehearsing and getting involved with college activities at the University of Arizona School of Arts.
“It’s my first time in Tucson,” Abozekry said. “Very, very beautiful food.”
Romy Fouad, an attendee of the show who is more than familiar with the associated cultures, said, “I really liked the combination of the Arabic song together with the jazz […]. The Century Room is known for good music,” Fouad said.
Romero Ceron, an attendee more versed in musical composition, said, “I found it very intriguing how […] the scales are not necessarily ‘western’ but most of the instruments are ‘western.’”
“It was very refreshing,” Ceron said.
It was an experience that could not be replicated. However, it’s one of many experiences to come brought by Center Stage and Arizona Arts Live. Tickets are available at: arizonaartslive.com
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