To Those Who Came Before Us

In recent years, this prolific Egyptian/Australian oud player and composer has received well-deserved acclaim for his instrumental virtuosity, as well as his restless innovation and curiosity. The latter has seen him translate his knowledge of the Arabic modal system of maqam into numerous collaborations with Western orchestras, jazz ensembles and Aboriginal musicians from his adopted homeland. Tawadros’ consistency has sprung from a self-imposed challenge to release one album every year, of which To Those Who Came Before Us is the 20th. To mark this milestone, Tawadros’ latest is entirely solo – an hour-long improvisation aptly divided into 20 tracks – in which he immerses himself in the ancient Arabic art of taqasim. Aside from his exceptional technique, it’s his deep understanding of maqam that brings the magic as he gradually moves between a wide variety of modes, all over a single tonic, creating shifting permutations of mood and tone. The emotional apotheosis arrives at around 55 minutes, when Tawadros finds his way back to a theme he established at the outset, giving the feeling of a completed circle. A brave project in its vulnerability and openheartedness, To Those Who Came Before Us stands as a bold artistic statement, which closes one stage of Tawadros’ career, and awaits the next.