This album is the recording of Karkhana's first concert. The band formed just to play this one of concert in Beirut, then went to become one of the most sought after bands from the region, albeit with a slightly different lineup.
1 – Live at Metro (part 1) – 24:35
2 – Live at Metro (part 2) – 17:46
All tracks composed, arranged, performed and produced by Karkhana
Umut Çağlar: Flute, Violin, Percussion
Mazen Kerbaj: Trumpet, Plastic Trombone, Crackle Synth
Maurice Louca: Organ
Sharif Sehnaoui: Drums
Sam Shalabi: Oud, Electric Guitar
Özün Usta: Double Bass
Recorded by Fadi Tabbal at Metro Al-Madina (Beirut, Lebanon) in February 2014
Cover artwork by Mazen Kerbaj and Hatem Imam
"I wish I could track down more of this tantalising outfit's music to share...This Middle Eastern supergroup first got together to celebrate the music of Egyptian surf guitarist Omar Khorshid – who was also a key figure in Oum Kalthoum's orchestra – but their remit has expanded somewhat and now they're fully committed to outer-perimeter explorations in Krautrock-leaning, cosmic free jazz"
[John Doran – The Guardian]
Jest w tej muzyce cośpociągającego. M wi językiem sceny free-improv, a jednocześnie swoim własnym , zakorzenionym w tradycji i charakterystycznym dla BliskiegoWschodu brzmieniu. Niekoniecznie trzeba to rozpatrywać przez aspekt egzotyki, a bardziej powiewu świeżości i odrestaurowywania przyzwyczajeńczy klisz jakie towarzyszą nam przy myśleniu o tradycyjnym folklorze, nie tylko Bliskiego Wschodu.
[Jakub Knera – Popupmusic]