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Review: Kazdoura, the Jam Jar – ‘Irresistibly groovy’
Kazdoura means ‘to stroll or walk’ in Levantine Arabic. It’s an evocative word, and perfectly reflects the concert tonight – a relaxed saunter, but with just the right amount of surprising diversions along the way.
In yet another coup for the Jam Jar, who continue to programme hands-down the most exciting and diverse international lineups in Bristol, tonight we have – from Toronto Canada via the Levant – Kazdoura.
The project was founded by vocalist Leen Hamo and multi-instrumentalist Johnny Abou Chaccra in the summer of 2020 and this is their first UK tour, in support of their debut album Ghoyuom, with dates in Bristol, Falmouth, and London before they continue to Egypt for concerts in Cairo and El Gouna.
is needed now More than ever
In support, London-based Tarek Elazhary plays a set on Egyptian oud. He is a frequent collaborator with Bristol’s own Tamsin Elliot playing as a duo; but tonight he’s solo, holding space sat in the middle of the Jam Jar stage.
Some of the audience aren’t ready for the stillness this instrument invites as many chat and the atmosphere is jolly and casual, but all would agree – Tarek is a true master of his craft, and the warm response he receives at the end of his set is well-deserved.
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Kazdoura take to the stage and the audience burst into whoops and claps. There’s a lot of people here tonight who are very excited to see Leen and Johnny do their thing. In a rare sight at the Jam Jar, phones are up and filming immediately as young fans giddily sing along with the first tune.
Members of the crowd were enamoured with Leen, filming and singing along with her Syrian lyrics throughout – photo: Rhys Dolman/@karmsounds
They’re a stylish pair, Johnny’s louche retro style juxtaposing Leen’s studded two-piece complete with outrageous over-the-top puffy shoulder ruffs, looking every bit the superstar-in-waiting. Fitting with the vibe, bassist Owen Burns is playing a tiny Hoffner, made famous of course by Paul McCartney.
Consulting with a bass player friend in the crowd, I ask if it’s purely a style over substance decision and am reliably informed it’s a perfect choice: while they have “fuck all sustain”, they do have a real “bom bom bom, which I increasingly accept has it’s place” – question answered!
The Paul McCartney Hoffner was a stylistic but also sound-oriented choice for for Owen Burns – photo: Simon Alexander
It’s irresistibly groovy stuff. A sound reminiscent of megastar Coachella-darlings Khruangbin, with rumbling basslines and restrained drums, but made fully their own with much heavier Arabic influences coming to the fore. Leen’s ethereal and heavily-ornamented vocals, sung primarily in Syrian Arabic, are absolutely captivating.
A few songs in, Leen and Johnny introduce the rest of their band tonight: Owen, George, and Theo are, it turns out to our surprise, from Leeds.
The group met for two rehearsals only the week before and this is their first show together. It suddenly clicks, I recognise bassist Owen and drummer Theo Goss from K.O.G.’s fantastic band, and keys player George Macdonald from Tetes de Pois.
Johnny’s style matches his louche 70s-inspired sax sound – photo: Rhys Dolman/@karmsounds
The trio are seriously tight – and unbelievably confident for their first gig playing this material. Solos are passed around all five band members, everyone bringing their own influences, resulting in a pan-continental smorgasbord of melody.
In their softer moments, Johnny on saxophone is giving some big late 70s/early 80s vibes – think Spyro Gyra Morning Dance, or even a smidge of the more tasteful side of Kenny G. His playing remains so wonderfully honest and original that it manages to skillfully avoid cheese while still being unashamedly pop-jazz.
Enraptured: Kazdoura was another quality bit of global music programming from the Jam Jar – photo: Rhys Dolman/@karmsounds
This show just feels authentic and spontaneous. It’s rooted in Arabic tradition and the duo’s sound but bringing in UK session musicians makes the performance less scripted, more fun, more surprising, for both the band and the audience.
Main photo: Simon Alexander
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