Amadeus Awad : Ghost Stories

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by John Kindred
Staff Writer

The musical journey for Beirut-based Amadeus Awad has not been an easy one. Inspired by a video performance of Ritchie Blackmore with Deep Purple at the 1974 California Jam music festival, Awad’s passion to learn to play the electric guitar was ignited. Born and raised in Tripoli, North Lebanon, a culture that didn’t celebrate or accept the musical concepts from Western nations, Awad was financially challenged and lacked the availability of instruction that others took for granted. Growing up in a war-torn country in the middle of a civil war also amplified the challenge, but that didn’t deter Awad.

His perseverance led him to become a skilled, self-taught musician. At age 14, Awad Formed his first rock band, the Thorn Birds, and honed his skills on classic rock songs from bands such as Deep Purple, Dio and Rainbow. At 19, he moved to Beirut and went to school at the Beirut School of Fine Art and earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Musicology. At 22, he landed the gig as the guitarist for The Armenian artist Guy Manoukian. Pushing his career forward has led Awad to compose music for TV ads, documentaries and short films while he also worked as a session player live and in the studio for other artists. He also was a key player in forming Sphere, a band that featured Guy Manoukian on keyboards.

Awad continues to move forward on his chosen career path, producing his first solo instrumental album Ghost Stories. The album features five songs in which Awad merges his rock influences with the music of his own culture. He uses exotic scales and instruments to bring a fresh take on electric guitar-dominated instrumentals.

The influence of Ritchie Blackemore is evident in the way that Awad approaches phrasing his solos. His use of the WAH pedal witihin the context of the compositions tips its hat to the legendary Michael Schenker. Awad demonstrates a keen awareness to avoid unnecessary overplaying or shredding. His tasteful performance is highlighted in these five songs. Awad musical guitar style highlights his ability to incorporate melodic passages, neo-classical, legato and arpeggiated runs into his phrasing.

“April Rain” is a tranquil acoustic number with Middle Eastern flair. “Immortal Dunes” has a Blackmore Night-ish vibe. The solo has the same tonal signature of Blackmore’s guitar sound. “Ghost Stories” is driven by the heartbeat of a clock. Tasteful guitar licks abound over the musical bed of drums, guitar and clock. “Virtual Eclipse” is the barn burner here. Not that it’s a shred monster in the vein of a Paul Gilbert or maybe Malmsteen, but the song allows Awad to let loose with more tasty chops. Hints of a Satriani influence are in there as well. “Autumn Eyes” opens with an acoustic guitar melody and sad “slide work” before Elia Che enters on vocals. The song has a pleasant, melodic yet sad quality. Awad shines yet again, providing an elegant balance of rhythm and solo work for you to enjoy.

The dogma associated with Eastern culture, at least from the way we see the Middle East portrayed in the main stream media, leaves us believing that their culture is old, uncivilized and barbaric. Awad shines a light on a people who also have a voice that should be heard. The soul of man can be heard in the notes that he plays and the music that he writes. Awad displays his understanding of the instrument and crafts music that is tasteful, enjoyable and satisfying to listen to.

Genre: Instrumental Hard Rock

Label: Independent

Track Listing:
1. April Rain
2. Immortal Dunes
3. Ghost Stories
4. Virtual Eclipse
5. Autumn Eyes (featuring Elia Che on Vocals)

Web:
http://www.facebook.com/amadeus.awad.band
http://www.reverbnation/amadeusawad
http://www.youtube.com/amadeusawad

Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10