Two diplomats, Roger Fakhr and Charif Megarbane, associated with the Habibi Funk label, make an impact.
Rewritten Article:
Hailing from the same war-torn city, Beirut, two Lebanese musicians, Roger Fakhr and Charif Megarbane, will grace the stage at La Bellevilloise in Paris on May 7th. While aged distances them - with Fakhr being 70 and Megarbane thirty years his junior - their shared love for music bridges the gap.
Fakhr's music, rooted in the vibrant San Francisco scene of the '70s, bears a resemblance to the folk-rich, hippie vibes of David Crosby, Donovan, and Sixto Rodriguez. On the other hand, Megarbane's instrumental work, inspired by Lisbon, echoes the whimsical grandeur of the golden age of Italian film scores, evoking names such as Ennio Morricone and Piero Umiliani. Fakhr, who once accompanied Fairouz, the revered diva of his country, on guitar during her tours, is now accompanied by the same trio of musicians on stage. Megarbane, preferring the solitude of the studio, layers sounds rather like his master, Bill Evans, playing all instruments except brass.
The duo's differences have not impeded their friendship. As they traverse major European cities this spring, they've formed a bond reminiscent of brothers. "With Roger, we're in perfect harmony," Megarbane enthuses over the phone. Their live performances, far from being rivalries, are a charming dialogue - Fakhr's East of Any Place ("east of any place") responds to Megarbane's East of What ("east of what").
Roger Fakhr and Charif Megarbane symbolize the fusion of different eras and styles, blending Fakhr's soulful approach, honed through collaborations with musical legends like Issam Hajali, Ziad Rahbani, and Fairouz, with Megarbane's contemporary sensibilities. Their partnership is part of a broader European tour promoted by Habibi Funk, a label renowned for its efforts in resurrecting and honoring Arab musical heritage[1],[5].
These live performances are not just about celebrating shared roots but also about creative exchange between generations[4],[5]. The duo's collaboration serves as an electrifying showcase of Lebanese musical diversity and a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries. Though the intricate story of their first meeting remains unspoken, their dynamic partnership is a celebration of unity, diversity, and a powerful creative dialogue that continues to echo in every performance[4],[5].
- Charif Megarbane, despite his youth, shares the stage with his older counterpart, Roger Fakhr, on May 7th at La Bellevilloise in Paris, reflecting their mutual love for music.
- Roger Fakhr's music, influenced by the '70s San Francisco scene, bears a resemblance to David Crosby, Donovan, and Sixto Rodriguez, while Megarbane's instrumental work is reminiscent of Italian film scores, echoing Ennio Morricone and Piero Umiliani.
- Inter-generational bonds have been formed as the duo travels through major cities in Europe this spring, with Megarbane describing their friendship as akin to brotherhood.
- The joint tour by Roger Fakhr and Charif Megarbane signifies the integration of diverse eras and styles, as Fakhr's soulful approach, honed through collaborations with legends, blends with Megarbane's contemporary sensibilities.
