Shalabi Effect

by Jason MacNeilAn extremely eclectic blend of musical genres, including Middle Eastern and North Indian, is what keeps this Canadian group on the cutting edge of global music. Formed by guitarist Anthony Seck and guitarist/oud player Sam Shalabi in 1996, the group uses basic arrangements but credits free improvisation as the key to their success. In 1996, the group released a cassette recording that was followed up in 1998 by the addition of two other musicians. Will Eizlini and Alexandre St. Onge joined the group, who became known in Ontario and Quebec for using National Film Board of Canada footage as a backdrop to their live shows in the style of Godspeed You Black Emperor! In 1998, the group released Aural Florida and performed in various venues in Montreal and Ottawa. In 2001, the group toured the United States and Europe in support of their 2000 release, Shalabi Effect s/t. The group has a very simple approach to recording, usually doing only one take per song, creating a loose and exciting album each time out.