Perspectives: Anouar Brahem Quartet

"After the Last Sky"

Anouar Brahem : oud
Anja Lechner: cello
Django Bates: piano
Mats Eilertson: doublebass

For almost forty years Anouar Brahem has drawn on the traditions of Arab music, while consistently engaging with the wider world, finding inspiration in jazz and different cultures.

Eight years after Blue Maqams (ECM), he returns with a poignant project and album titled after a line of verse by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, which asks “Where should the birds fly, after the last sky?” Graceful chamber pieces for oud, cello, piano and bass subtly address the metaphysical question and its broad resonances in a troubled time.

At NCH, Anouar performs this music with his international quartet. The album marks the first time that Anouar has included a cellist in his group music. Anja Lechner, a leading voice in the recording, has long been conversant with Brahem’s compositions and included them in her own recitals. Django Bates’ piano, an important supportive force throughout, contributes swirling solos. Norwegian bassist Mats Eilertsen has been a distinctive presence on ECM recordings by, amongst others, Tord Gustavsen, Trygve Seim, Mathias Eick, and Jakob Young and has long maintained several projects of his own.

“Mr Brahem’s trio – part takht, part jazz trio, part chamber ensemble – evokes a kind of Andalusia of the 21st century, in which European and Arab sensibilities have merged so profoundly that the borders that separated them have completely dissolved. The image may seem utopian, but its beauty is undeniable.” New York Times

“His commitment to exploring the limits of the oud’s sonic capabilities has lead him on a journey like no other in music. Amidst the virtuosity is a lack of contrivance that makes it highly accessible. Succumbing is easy. Its openness invites the listener to dive into this river of sound and drift along to the hypnotic flow. Sweet dreams are made of this.” Donal Dineen, The Irish Times.

Presented by NCH.