Omar Khorshid
Giant + Guitar LP vinyl

Giant + Guitar was released in 1974 on key Lebanese label of the times, Voice of Lebanon and was instantly popular in the Arab world. The album was recorded at the Polysound studios in Beruit and overseen by engineer Nabil Moumtaz. The sound of the album is both bold and accessible displaying Khorshid's unique guitar sound, accompanied by a small band mixing traditional and modern fuzzed up arrangements. The mesmerizing opening track, 'Rakset El Fadaa', composed by Lebanese musician Nour Al Mallah, is a perfect example of Khorshid's artistry. Starting with a long, hypnotic guitar intro, it then speeds up with the backing of a groovy organ, Oriental percussion and the psych sound of an early synthesizer to great effect. The album continues on the same mode blending traditional Oriental music with inventive arrangements as showcased by the Mohamed Abdel Wahab standard 'Leilet Hob' popularised by Oum Kalthoum, which sees Khorshid and his musicians shifting pace several times over eight minutes. One of the peaks of the album in terms of sonic experiments is undoubtedly Korshid's own composition, 'Taqassim Sanat Alfein', with Khorshid's superb guitar in full bloom accompanied by a few touches of synth.

NEW /  Released in 1974 / Reissued in 2001

Tracklist:

A1 Raqset El Fadaa

A2 Guitar El Chark

A3 Takassim Sanat Alfeyn

B1 Laylet Hob

B2 Lama Bada Yatasana

B3 Teletya Mahla Nourha

B4 Ya Zen