Hi Pias,
He does have total control over his music projects.
What makes his stuff sound the way you hear it is because he's an amazing musical arranger as well as a producer. He always goes for the highest quality in production for all of his work.
I was listening to Sabla Tolo 2 in the car on the way to the airport to pick my wife up the other day, and I was totally into hearing how symphonic his arrangements are even with albums that are all percussion oriented. As a producer, he's got a fantastic ear, and knows how to bring the best sound out of the instruments, and how to mix them in the studio. Everything is so CLEAR on his records, I can hear everything.
Hossam studied at the London conservatory, so he's got a firm Classical sense, as well as all of his years playing jazz. All of his musical and cultural history comes into being with his records and that's what breathes such life into his music.
He's an amazing musician, this is why he's my favorite, there's no one like him, he's in a class of his own.
I took some workshops with him in England 6 years ago, it was the most incredible musical experience ever. He's a wonderful man, and a great teacher. I thought I was gonna die when he first started playing his Tabla 5 feet away from me!! It was beautiful.