Who We Are

MAWWAL performs original WORLD FUSION music and original arrangements of traditional Middle Eastern music in a spirited and beautiful trance-inducing acoustic/electric ensemble. Inventive vocal arrangements in English and Arabic weave through a Laouto (Greek Lute, with Bass and Drums, augmented by traditional percussion (tabla, dumbek, frame drum, riq) and Violin in what has been called a "new genre" by Progression Magazine.

Mawwal was formed in 2000 as an offshoot of Progressive World Fusion band Paranoise. Inspired by musicians like Peter Gabriel, Karsh Kale, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Youssou N'Dour, and Hamza El Din, Mawwal has a new take on "World" music. Jim Matus has created a sound that is at once familiar and totally new, with subtle elements of folk, Jazz, and groove rock mixed with traditional indigenous sounds and textures.   

{"mawwal" is a form of popular song and often criticizes society and introduces a lot of morals and values related to the common person.

"mawwal", often performed through improvisation, allows the singer to demonstrate his/her vocal ability, while the musicians provide the stimulation with a musical improvisation.}

Based in Hartford, CT,  Mawwal is long established on the New England festival circuit.

The core of Mawwal is: guitarist/Lutist/composer/vocalist Jim Matus, and Jill O'Brien/ vocals, Joe O'Brien (Bass), Mike Keyes (Drums) augmented by Rohan Gregory (violin) Harshal Tole (tabla), Percy Jones (bass), and Ken Matarazzo (percussion), Michel Moushabek (percussion).

Click Below For Samples of Mawwal's Music