Giant + Guitar — Omar Khorshid

Recorded in Beirut in 1974, Giant + Guitar captures Omar Khorshid at the peak of his legendary solo career. Already a superstar in Cairo for introducing the electric guitar into the grand classical orchestras of Oum Kalthoum, Abdel Halim Hafez, and Farid El Atrache, Khorshid relocated to Lebanon in the early 1970s to experiment with cutting-edge recording equipment and Western pop formats.

On this album, Khorshid transforms traditional Arabic melodies, folklore standards, and modern pop compositions (including works by the Rahbani Brothers and Farid El Atrache) into electric instrumental gold. Armed with his Fender Stratocaster, custom fuzz pedals, tape echo, and tremolo, he weaves hypnotic microtonal solos over punchy Farfisa organs, bubbling basslines, and traditional darbuka percussion. From the infectious bounce of "Ah Ya Zen" and "Sidi Mansour" to the cosmic, futuristic solo improvisation on "Takassim Sanat Alfein" ("Takassim 2000"), the record stands as an undisputed holy grail of global psych-funk.

Pressing Details & Visuals

• Official Wewantsounds Archival Edition: Reissued on vinyl in direct partnership with Voice of Lebanon, giving this rare, sought-after recording a pristine international distribution.

• Parisian Analog Remaster: Painstakingly remastered for vinyl by Colorsound Studio in Paris, delivering sharp guitar transients, tight percussion snaps, and rich low-frequency presence.

• Deluxe Packaging: Housed in a heavy-cardstock sleeve faithfully restoring the original 1974 pop-art album cover and Arabic typography.

• Illustrated Insert Included: Features an exclusive 2-page insert with rare archival photographs and extensive bilingual liner notes detailing Khorshid's cinematic career and musical innovations.

Collector's Note: Original 1974 Lebanese vinyl pressings of this record are notoriously difficult to find in clean playing condition due to the Lebanese Civil War that erupted shortly after its release. This Wewantsounds reissue delivers audiophile-grade playback, fully revealing the layered tape-delay and reverb tricks Khorshid used to give his guitar notes their signature shimmering sustain.

Tracklist

• Side A: Ah Ya Zen | Takassim Sanat Alfein | Chérie | Hebbina Hebbina | Ka'an Zamanan | Rahbaniyat

• Side B: Sidi Mansour | Arrabiya | Oummi | Warak El Chajar | Sabah El Kheir | Men Ghadab Albi

Technical Specifications