Ala Ghawas - Live in Muharraq

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Live in Muharraq is the live recording from Ala Ghawas - Bahraini singer/songwriter. Read below for triplew.me’s review…

The album opens with a heartfelt cover of Elliot Smith’s Between the Bars – one of Ghawas’s obvious influences. Then we are treated to live renditions of his original works which cover three albums (Hums, Whispers and Screams) – Replica off 2007 Hums is a gorgeous piece which interlaces subtly strummed guitar and oud in a perfected singer/songwriter manner.

While Paint Me A Heart (from 2008’s Whispers) treads on smooth jazz territory, but is given that open-mic tender touch by Ala’s distinctive vocals, but the true highlight of the song is how it elevates with the addition of violins – a truly inspired moment, which transforms the sound from mere smooth jazz-y inspired ballad to something more memorable.

Red Cash & Blue Bloods, which comes from the third installment in Ghawas’s trilogy Screams – sounds significantly different than the last two songs – a darker, more stream of consciousness-oriented tune which builds in intensity and grabs the listener’s attention with its utter and obvious passion.

Ala goes back and forth between tracks from his three records (and some covers such as “Halelluja” and “Billie Jean”) in a wonderful performance, which even in audio format, transcends an atmosphere so warm and moving at the same time – which speaks volumes for the talent of Ghawas - A wonderful voice and a fantastic dedication to a composed and subtle craft.

Editor review

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