Ahmed Harfoush: Reinventing Jazz & Reviving Old Time Glamour

Encouraged at 17 by his father to join a choir, Ahmed Harfoush joined a formation called the Cairo Singers. Rehearsals held at the Italian Cultural Center taught him how to read sheet music, and exposed him to choir singing and performing on stage. Gaining confidence in his singing ability, Harfoush formed a band called 12 Strings with a few guitarists and it was at a show at the American University in Cairo that he caught the ear of the university’s Music Department Head. Larry Catlin invited him to join his student choir, the Osiris Singers, an opportunity that introduced Harfoush to musical theatre and jazz singing. This really ignited his interest and love for jazz, a form of music he had admired since the days of his childhood in the United States.

In 2001 Cairo Jazz Club opened, and by attending events at the club and rubbing shoulders with fellow musicians, Harfoush was introduced to a group called Riff – a band he later joined. They rebranded to The Riff Band and started booking gigs all over town. Fast-forward 16 years later, Ahmed Harfoush is now a full-time entertainer living between Cairo and London. He fronts The Riff Band in Cairo and The HarfousH Jazz Band in London. He also recently launched the Egyptian Jazz Projekt, spreading his unique mixture of classic Egyptian songs and jazz to music festivals across Europe. Cairo West Magazine caught up with this busy man to learn more about his inspirations, plans, and projects for the future.

CWM: Have you always been drawn to the more classic side of music?

 A.H: Yes, because I grew up in a very musical house. My auntie was into rock n’ roll, my mother taught me the cha-cha and Tango dancing, my dad bought me a keyboard when I was a kid and encouraged explore melodies on my own. Dad always had the radio on and I grew up on The Carpenters and Neil Diamond, so I’ve always been drawn to this era.

 What do you love the most about working with music?

 I’m an entertainer more than a singer. When you’re a good singer and a good entertainer, it makes all the difference. What I love doing is including everybody in the room with me. I love the fact that the fans come to my shows and know what to expect, but every time is different because it depends on the energy of the room on that night. When they give me energy, I give it back. It’s all about reciprocity.

What are your favorite songs to perform on stage?

I love performing jazz, which is my thing and my first love really. But what I also really love is performing Motown, like The Drifters, The Temptations, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder. Because of my childhood in the States, there is a bit of me that resonates musically with Motown. It brings back memories, and it’s very personal. Jazz is not personal, but Motown is. I love performing “My Girl” by The Temptations, “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder, and basically anything by Cole Porter like “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” – a song most people associate with Frank Sinatra. My favorite jazz standards to sing are Cole Porter songs.

Do you prefer singing solo, in a duet, or part of a larger ensemble?

 I love it all! They all have different vibes though. I’ve done 70-piece orchestras, I’ve done Big Band, I’ve done quartets, duos and solos. All have a different effect on the audience. Singing with an orchestra though is a dream, the arrangement of the strings drives me crazy, I find it very nurturing to the soul.

How is the holiday season special in terms of music?

 Again, it goes back to my childhood, the minute I start hearing Christmas songs, it strikes a chord. It’s just a happy time. I add on a selection of fun, classic, upbeat Christmas tunes to my singing repertoire of course!

What do you have coming up this season in terms of events?

It’s going to be a mix of performances in London and Cairo. On December 17th, I’ll be in Cairo performing with The Riff Band in Cairo Jazz Club, celebrating our 15 years together as a group. We’ll also be doing some gigs around Christmas time, so stay tuned to our social media for announcements. In London, I’ll be singing with a 70-piece jazz orchestra to celebrate the New Year – which is already sold out!

Tell us more about some of your new projects.

I’m releasing a brand-new original song called Sweet Little Sin, it’s a mix of electro-swing, Tango, Sade, Simply Red and Broadway – people are responding really well to it! It should be out on iTunes in January. I’m also touring music festivals in Europe with The Egyptian Jazz Projekt. I wanted to create some arrangements that fused the era of American Jazz with the era of classic Egyptian tunes from the 50s and 60s. Think Abdelhalim Hafez, Farid el Atrash, and Fayrouz “jazzified”, fresh and new. We performed in Paris and London in October, Berlin in November, and we will be performing in Lebanon in January and Amman in March – it’s only the beginning. I want to spread this across the world!

 

The Winter Blues: How to Combat Common Winter Health Problems

Colds:

Colds are caused by many different types of viruses and can occur year-round, although they are most frequent in the winter months. Most colds last seven to ten days and have no specific treatments.

Home remedies are believed to help ease the symptoms, the most popular of which is honey with its natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is thought to help with cough suppression by coating the throat and leading to increased salivation. Do not give honey to children under one year due to the risk of botulism poisoning.

Influenza:

More commonly known as “the flu”; it usually comes on quickly accompanied by high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches and pains (unlike colds). There are some antiviral medications available to help fight the flu; however, these medications only shorten illness duration by one to two days and must be started promptly to be helpful.

Sore throat:

There’s some evidence that changes in temperature, such as going from a warm room to the outdoors, can affect the throat. One quick and easy remedy for a sore throat is to gargle with warm salty water. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of part-cooled boiled water. It won’t heal the infection, but it has anti-inflammatory properties and can have a soothing effect.

Asthma:

Some people’s asthma symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) are triggered by cold weather. Those people should be extra careful during winter by staying indoors during very cold days, wearing a loose scarf over the nose and mouth and keeping quick reliever inhalers close by.

Norovirus:

Also known as the winter vomiting bug, this infectious stomach bug can strike all year round but is more common in winter. The illness is unpleasant, but it’s usually over within a few days. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Young children and the elderly are especially at risk. By drinking oral rehydration fluids (available from pharmacies), you can reduce the risk of dehydration.

Cold sores:

Sometimes called fever blisters, cold sores appear around the mouth and are caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus. The sores can be painful and usually clear up on their own within 10 days. There are several medications to reduce the duration or symptoms of cold sores, some are topical (meaning that they are creams or ointments rubbed directly onto the sore), and others are taken as pills. Cold sores are contagious so don’t kiss anyone or share anything that comes into contact with your sores such as creams, cutlery, or lipsticks.

Heart attacks:

As temperatures start to fall, your risk of a heart attack begins to climb. Cold weather can decrease the supply of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. And it can put you in situations that force your heart to work harder; as a result, your heart demands more oxygen-rich blood. Such a mismatch sets you up for a heart attack. Stay warm in your home and wrap up warmly when you go out and be especially careful about exerting yourself outdoors in winter.

Raynaud’s phenomenon:

This is a condition in which the small blood vessels of the hands and feet go into spasm, temporarily reducing blood flow, causing pain, and resulting in a change of color in your fingers and toes. In severe cases, medication can help, but most people manage to live with their symptoms. Don’t smoke or drink caffeine (both can worsen symptoms) and always wear warm gloves, socks and shoes when going out in cold weather.

This article was brought to you by Tabibi 24/7, Cairo’s leading family medicine & pediatrics group practice. Tabibi operates 24/7 and offers its services in the comfort of your own home or in one of its clinics.

For more information, you can call 16724.

www.tabibi247.com

 

 

Upcoming Events December 2017

Merry Christmas lettering. Beautiful inscription with leaves and mistletoe. Handwritten text, calligraphy. Can be used for greeting cards, posters and leaflets

Upcoming Events December 2017

Hany Abu-Assad: A Life With Direction

Recently in town to be part of the panel of judges at the 39th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival, with his acclaimed film “The Mountain Between Us” also being selected to open this major event on the industry calendar, filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad graciously agreed to share a personal insight into his road to success with Cairo West Magazine.

Born in Nazareth, Palestine in 1961, Abu-Assad spent his childhood years there until completing high school. He then went to Holland, where he studied airplane engineering. Upon graduation he went on to work successfully in this field for two years, before returning to his birthplace. Then, serendipity struck. A chance encounter steered his life onto a totally new course, one that has unfolded into a formidable creative output through his role as a film director. Has his ability to create Oscar Best Foreign Language nominated films like Paradise Now and Omar, that resonate so well with an audience, been rooted in his own personal journey we wondered?

CWM: Hany, you have had a fascinating path in your career, how did it come about?

H.A.: Even though I was successful in my work as an engineer in Holland, I wasn’t happy and didn’t feel fulfilled. I went back to Palestine and upon my return, purely by chance, met Palestinian film director, Rashid Masharawi. One thing led to another and I became his assistant. Through this, I realized that I was happier working in art than in engineering. Both lines of work require imagination, but in art you never know if it’s going to work. The element of risk is always high, and you can’t take such risks in engineering. It appeals more to my nature to work in a field that has certain risks, and because I have a great need for expression, I decided to become a filmmaker. It seems that I have found my niche, with a lot of my movies receiving awards in high profile festivals, especially Paradise Now and Omar. I have been nominated twice for Oscars and have also won a Golden Globe. After that recognition, things gathered momentum and 20th Century Fox came knocking on my door, asking me to do The Mountain Between Us. I read the script, fell in love with it and now here we are. The movie was released in the Middle East on November 29th.

The Mountain Between Us has garnered a lot of praise, but it must have been a challenge to film. What can you tell us about the locations selected and special moments that will stay with you?

We had to shoot the movie in remote locations up in the snow-covered mountains of British Columbia. It was extremely cold, sometimes minus 38 degrees and also at such a high altitude there is a lack of oxygen, so you must constantly struggle to breathe. Working long hours in these circumstances is brutal, though we were super motivated because we realized we were making a picture that people would really want to watch on the big screen.

We also heard that one cast member had very special privileges, tell us more!

The film’s two leading actors Kate Winslet and Idris Elba are huge stars and usually will be treated as such on movie sets. They have their own luxury trailers and will be attended to in order to make them comfortable. In the filming of our movie we couldn’t have this, so we all worked hard and sacrificed any indulgences in order to get the picture made. The real diva was our dog, he is the third cast member and for the most part he refused to come out of his warm tent to do the scene. The crew and our stars often had to wait for hours in the cold snow for the dog to come out. So we had a very different problem from most movie sets. Usually actors can be hard to budge from their trailers, but for us, the dog was acting like a big star. But I have to say, he did a nice job in the end and you can’t feel his “diva-ness” on the screen. He is cute and you can’t help but love him.

Can you tell us what you currently have in the pipeline?

I truly don’t speak about my future. I have a lot of projects cooking, but I have no idea which one is going to happen!

On another note, what advice would you give to young directors struggling to make a mark in a competitive industry?  

Work on your talent, this is your only ticket to recognition. The more you understand filmmaking, the more you practice filmmaking, the more you will be recognized. Don’t chase people, let people chase you and they will chase you when you become a better filmmaker. One of the key needs for becoming a better filmmaker is that you have a genuine interest in human stories and human issues. This is key to all artists.

Quick-fire round:

Favorite filming location so far?
Gwendolyn Mountain in British Columbia, Canada. It has stunning beauty and we were so privileged to visit this place and film there.

Best advice you have been given?
Success comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.

Food that reminds you of home?
Maqluba

Music on your playlist? 
Coldplay X&Y, Bach, Abu and Yousra, Julia Botros.

Best book you have read in 2017?
The Third Dog’s War by Ibrahim Nasrallah. The book is coming out next year, but I read the manuscript.

Time to relax?
It is crucial to happiness.

Someone who always brings a smile to your face?
My wife, Amira Diab.

Habit you would like to break?
Eating too much.

Your getaway holiday spot?
Anywhere in Italy.

La Taberna at Guezira Plaza: Tapas with a Twist

Throw three of our favorite words into one sentence and you have our full attention. Execute the concept of pub-resto and tapas bar with finesse and a dash of humor, and you have us hooked. La Taberna has pulled off a tour de force by creating a warm and welcoming meeting spot and eatery, with amazing cocktails, addictive tapas and some impressive Spanish cuisine, which in our opinion, may be the best Spanish cuisine in Cairo.

Type of cuisine: There is a strong Spanish influence here, evident from the tapas selection through to traditional favorites and desserts.  Although La Taberna is undeniably a great place to hit for lunch or dinner, it is also a perfect hub to catch up with friends over a drink, with a few tapas to nibble on.

Signature dishes: Spanish Roasted Chicken stuffed with beef chorizo, Paella, Mini Trio Burger.

Dishes sampled: The sun was sinking slowly under the horizon, so we felt it appropriate to head straight for the cocktail menu before even thinking of food. Our Cosmic Beauty and Berries Addict came with whimsical presentation, one in a very organic looking earthenware bowl, the other in a huge ‘light bulb’ perched on a bed of ice in a large cocktail glass. The mix of ingredients hit the spot and perked up our appetites in a flash, and we just loved the precisely formed ice cube in the Cosmic Beauty, a miniature replica of a Wimbledon-worthy tennis ball.

We started off our meal with La Taberna Bread, lightly toasted brown bread loaded with tomato, capers, anchovies and Parmesan. The flavors set each other off to a ‘t’, and we finished off the wooden platter in no time. Looking for a contrast in mood, we then shared a Tartar of Avocado and Mango. Perfectly diced and delicately seasoned, the avocado and mango were made for each other, and the addition of large, juicy pink shrimp worked well. More shrimp arrived, this time served hot, with a powerful punch of garlic and chili, drizzled with a lemon-butter sauce.

How can you skip paella when you have the chance to indulge? We couldn’t, and it was every bit as authentic as we had hoped for. Moist grains of saffron-infused rice, more shrimp, fresh green peas, sweet red and green pepper, tender rings of squid, octopus and mussels working in harmony; it is a dish we can heartily recommend. Although we had lunched extremely well we couldn’t resist sharing a Mixed Grill, our curiosity was piqued when we heard the presentation was a quirky as the other fun touches we had come across. No spoilers here, you can find out for yourselves.

Our notorious sweet tooth had to take a rest, even though the desserts on offer were drool-worthy, we had reached our limits. Next time, for sure!

Other menu options that appealed: Ah… where to start. It all looks good, and we have been told the fillet steak is superb. We would also keep working our way through the cocktail menu, if only to enjoy the innovative and never-ending variety of presentation, of course! The Saffron Crème Brûlée would be a ‘must try’ too.

Beverage options: Being a pub-resto, there is a full bar, but non-imbibers are well catered for with fruit infusions and other ‘soft’ options.

Décor: Plenty of brick, dark wood and splashes of jewel colors in the various seating options. We liked having a choice between high stools along the bar, low velvet banquettes and comfortable chairs arranged around circular tables. Oh yes, there are also discreetly placed flat screens for viewing the important matches. Our stools are already booked for the World Cup!

Ambience: Relaxing, but upbeat. The music selection is a mood setter, truly an inspired mix.

Clientele mix: Thirty-somethings predominate, but slightly younger or older customers would not feel out of place. There is an up-market urban professional vibe, in a casual mode.

Price range: Food and local beverage pricing is moderate. Cocktails veer towards the splurge category, as only imported alcohol is used. But why not push the boat out, they are totally worth it!

Opening hours: 2 pm till late.

Address: Guezira Plaza, main level.

Tel: 012 384 7374

Website: www.latabernaeg.com

Facebook/Instagram: LaTabernaeg

The Opening Night of the 39th Cairo International Film Festival

39th Cairo International Film Festival Awards Ceremony

39th Cairo International Film Festival Awards Ceremony

The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) is one of 15 film festivals accorded category “A” status by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). Launched in 1976, it is the oldest cultural event in Africa and the Middle East, founded by the writer-critic Kamal el Mallakh. Egypt has enjoyed a strong cinematic tradition since the art of filmmaking was first developed in 1896, and this prestigious festival aims to enhance the role of Egypt in the world of cinema and serve as a bridge between the cultures of the world. This year’s edition was dedicated to cinema legend Shadia.

Studio 70 in Sheraton Cairo

Head to the retro-style bar Studio 70 for evening drinks, after dinner cocktails, or for a night out on the weekend. This venue is 70s themed; everything from décor to music belongs in that era. We visited after dinner for some delicious drinks from, what could be considered on of the best bars in Cairo, their extensive beverages menu. Soft options are available for those who don’t drink.

 Signature drinks: Sake Cucumber, Sparkling Delight, Diana Ross, Grape & Grapes.

Drinks sampled: The drinks menu is several pages, so we had to be choosey. A total of 70% of the drinks on offer are created by Studio 70’s head bartender; with some bitters made on premises. We started with the Sparkling Delight – a mixture of Sake, sparkling wine, raspberry puree, and pineapple juice. A hit for those who love a fruity and sweet drink, it’s basically a dessert in a glass. Next, a traditional Cosmopolitan – Vodka, Cointreau, cranberry and lime-juice, shaken and served in distinctive doublewalled glassware. The presentation of each drink is what sets Studio 70 apart; they have designed special glassware and shot holders, from the beautiful bronze martini glasses to the high-heel shaped shot holders for couples. Next we tried the Grape & Grapes made with Tequila, Triple Sec, vanilla syrup, fresh mint, grapes, and apple juice – packed with flavor, unique, but very sweet – you won’t find this in other bars! Heat of the Heart is one for the sweet and sour lovers – whiskey, fresh lemon wedges, mint leaves, Sprite, and brown sugar. This one was refreshing, and not heavy on the sweetness, an enjoyable cocktail for those who err on the tangy side. We finished off the evening with the 007, a dry Gin martini with orange bitter made on the premises. Delicious and served with a generous helping of green olives! The service is impeccable, and you can really tell the staff loves what it does. Always a nice touch in any establishment.

Bar Food: One cannot properly drink without snacking. Breads and a delightfully seasoned cheese dip comes with each drink order, we could taste tahini, soy sauce, pomegranate syrup – yummy! Burgers, bites, and desserts are also on offer – all in small sizes, but you’re not really there for a meal.

Décor: Retro 70s furnishings make this place a novelty. Old Egyptian movie stars of the 70s era adorn the walls. A magnificent amber-lit alabaster bar greets you as you enter. Two seating areas are available – one offering plush leather couches in a lounge-style, and another area with wood and leather armchairs for those who prefer a less ‘intimate’ setting.

Ambience: Pleasant lounge music from the 70s era was playing when we visited in the evening, and the atmosphere supported good conversation. There will be louder evenings on the weekend when DJs spin deep house tracks after 11pm. High Heels night is on Tuesdays; ladies can drink selected beverages for free between 9 pm to 11 pm.

Clientele mix: Older crowd, business types, and hotel guests. Younger crowds expected on the weekend and on Tuesday night.

Price range: This is a splurge venue, but what bar isn’t?

Monday-Wednesday 5 pm – 1 am

Thursday-Saturday 5 pm – 3 am

Closed on Sunday

Sheraton Cairo, Galaa Square, Gizah

01022216883

sheratoncairo

sheratoncairohotel

Other Adrenalin Rush Activities

Lucid 51
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Other Adrenalin Rush Activities

10 Places for Martial Arts

 

  1. Fitbox

Instagram: fitboxeg

Address: 1 Mostafa Refaat, Masakan

Sheraton, Heliopolis

Tel: 0102 2050 000

  1. Fight & Fitness Factory

Instagram: f3egypt

Address: 6th October – Arkan

Tel: 0128 0501 070

  1. Boxing Field

Instagram: boxingfield

Address: Inside Victoria College of

Victoria Square, beside the baseball

field. Maadi.

  1. Boxing Academy

Instagram: boxingacademy

Address: Rehab, inside Rehab Club.

Tel: 0102 060 600 – 0100 767 668

Address: May Fair, 1st Right after British Academy, Sherouk.

Tel: 01000316550

Address: 498, Street 10, El Mokattam.

Tel: 0106 1010 088

  1. The Fight Zone

Instagram: thefightzone_egypt

Address: Mall 66, beside 7 Stars Mall,

5th settlement. (Upper floor of Vein Gym)

Tel: 0122 705 5962

  1. Fight Club

Branches: El Nozha El Gededa – Nasr City –

New Cairo – Heliopolis.

Tel: 0100 527 0156

  1. Warrior Workout

Address: Target Academy, Zaker Hussein St.

El Wafa we El Amel – Nasr City.

Tel: 0112 007 3840

  1. Tapout Fighting Club

Instagram: tapout.fighting.club

Address: Heliopolis, 58 Abdul Aziz Fahmy St.

Next to Nozha Police Station, Heliopolis Sq.

Branches: Golds Gym Sheraton.

Tel: 0120 4417 073 – 0122 5581 559

  1. Impact Zone

Instagram: impact_zone_official

Address: 35 Tah, Khafraa gate, Hadayek