JOSEPH TAWADROS

Egyptian born jazz and classical musician Joseph Tawadros has been setting the world alight with his virtuosic talent on the oud – the pear shaped string instrument that has its roots in the Arab world – and with his ability to meld the sounds of middle eastern music and jazz.

“There’s a lot of improvisation in the Arab tradition. It’s almost like a jazz format in a way, as you have a melody and you improvise around it, so it’s not something that is entirely new to the world of oud,” explains Tawadros.

The multiple ARIA nominated performer has just released a new record titled Chameleons Of The White Shadow that boasts an international personnel list including banjo sensation Béla Fleck and bass wizard Richard Bona as well as some very special appearances from vibraphone and jazz pioneer Roy Ayers – amongst others.

At 30 years of age, Joseph Tawadros is a relatively young musician, yet he relished the chance to play with his heroes.

“When these guys say yes you’ve really gotta step up to the plate and treat them as a peer and a colleague. You respect them highly and respect what they do but you also have to lead them and you’re there for the goal of recording something special and having it how you envisaged it.”

The upcoming launch of the album won’t feature the huge list of names, however Tawadros will be able to call upon local talent such as piano player Matt McMahon, bass player Steve Hunter and Tawadros’ percussion playing younger brother James, to more than adequately help him realise the album’s nature on the live stage.

“I’ve played with these guys a lot in various configurations and they can really match it with the players from the record, so it’s gonna be a special one.” (IS)

April 24, Venue 505, 280 Cleveland St, Surry Hills, $30, www.venue505.com