THE DWARVES OF EAST AGOUZA

QUEBEC, EGYPT, USA

SATURDAY MAY 18   
CENTRE DES CONGRÈS
MIDNIGHT - $28

Sam Shalabi : guitare électrique
Maurice Louca : claviers, rythmes
Alan Bishop : basse, saxophone, voix

The special connection that Montreal composer and guitarist SAM SHALABI maintains with Cairo has had a huge impact on Montreal’s music scene, with notable projects like the electro-acoustic orchestra, Land of Kush, drawing directly on Egyptian musical influences. THE DWARVES OF EAST AGOUZA is a cooperative trio formed in Cairo with Egyptian MAURICE LOUCA (keyboards, beats) and American ALAN BISHOP (bass, saxophone, vocals), the latter best known as a founding member of Sun City Girls. They generate swirling North African-flavoured psychedelia based on hypnotic and shimmering grooves. These are animated by SHALABI’s singular guitar style, which is jagged, ever-surprising rhythmically, and compellingly antagonistic. At root, THE DWARVES OF EAST AGOUZA is an improvising band, but their shared musical roots, desires, and drives give the group its energetic impetus and signature sound.