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Arabic Songs of Lebanon and Egypt

George Sawaya Trio and Female Chorus
Arabic Songs of Lebanon and Egypt

Released in 1956, this recording features George Sawaya, a Canadian-born Arabic-speaking musician who began playing the oud at the age of 10. This album is composed of vocal and instrumental love songs and dances originating from Lebanon and Egypt. Performances on the Middle Eastern oud and durbakki, a lute-like instrument and a drum, respectively, are featured prominently. Sawaya spent years playing in communities in Quebec province because, in his own words, “what better way is there to learn to get along with, and understand, the many people in this world of ours, than through music?” (liner notes from Love Songs of Lebanon). Album liner notes include short descriptions of the instruments and individual tracks, the lyrics in the original Arabic, transliteration, and English translation. (For more music by this artist see Love Songs of Lebanon, FW08815.)

Track Listing

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101
Salam Dance George Sawaya Trio 02:45
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102
Nora Ya Nora George Sawaya Trio 05:15
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103
Titla Ya Kamar George Sawaya Trio 03:01
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104
Wassaltina Lanos El Beer George Sawaya Trio 03:11
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201
Alaim El Manadili George Sawaya Trio 03:44
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202
Ma Alli Oltillo George Sawaya Trio 05:16
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203
Ya Alla Oyallah Yalla Hay George Sawaya Trio 03:02
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204
My Sweetheart’s Wild about Me / My Little Gazelle / The Town of Bravery George Sawaya Trio 03:54