06-04-2025, 13:19
ANOUAR BRAHEM ~ After the Last Sky
![[Image: Cover_300.webp]](https://ecm-server.de/audio/06024753/0602475342878/Cover_300.webp)
Totally cheating on this one - ECM says it all - https://ecmrecords.com/product/after-the...e-holland/ - I quote ...
"Eight years after Blue Maqams, Anouar Brahem returns with a poignant project, titled after a line of verse by 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. While drawing upon the traditional modes of Arab music, Brahem has consistently sought to engage with the wider world, too, and found inspiration in many sources from different cultures. Bassist Dave Holland and pianist Django Bates are again part of the Tunisian oud master’s international quartet, joined now by cellist Anja Lechner. Brahem’s rapport with Holland – first established on the Thimar album of 1998 – is meanwhile legendary. “Dave’s playing gives me wings,” Anouar has said, an observation that materializes repeatedly across the record. Django Bates’ piano, an important supportive force throughout, contributes swirling solos. 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. The cello is given the first and last statements here. “After the Last Sky” was recorded at Lugano’s Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in May 2024, and produced by Manfred Eicher. The album is issued as the Brahem quartet embarks on a European tour with concerts in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium."
I seem to be a fan of archaic musical instruments (in this instance the oud) - they just resonate with me for some reason. The viola da gamba is another one - such unusual and not pretty sounds. Actually, they both are somewhat guttural, I guess - a little dark. I cannot critique this album - it would be a damn cheek - suffice to say that I like the structure of this music which sits well around me. I'm kinda curious about sound as a healing mechanism and wonder if sometimes ones body just responds better to certain waves. It's really not just about the ears - it's the way it feels. Anyway ... rabbiting on ... I do like this album and will acquire it somewhere along the line.
Totally cheating on this one - ECM says it all - https://ecmrecords.com/product/after-the...e-holland/ - I quote ...
"Eight years after Blue Maqams, Anouar Brahem returns with a poignant project, titled after a line of verse by 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. While drawing upon the traditional modes of Arab music, Brahem has consistently sought to engage with the wider world, too, and found inspiration in many sources from different cultures. Bassist Dave Holland and pianist Django Bates are again part of the Tunisian oud master’s international quartet, joined now by cellist Anja Lechner. Brahem’s rapport with Holland – first established on the Thimar album of 1998 – is meanwhile legendary. “Dave’s playing gives me wings,” Anouar has said, an observation that materializes repeatedly across the record. Django Bates’ piano, an important supportive force throughout, contributes swirling solos. 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. The cello is given the first and last statements here. “After the Last Sky” was recorded at Lugano’s Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in May 2024, and produced by Manfred Eicher. The album is issued as the Brahem quartet embarks on a European tour with concerts in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium."
I seem to be a fan of archaic musical instruments (in this instance the oud) - they just resonate with me for some reason. The viola da gamba is another one - such unusual and not pretty sounds. Actually, they both are somewhat guttural, I guess - a little dark. I cannot critique this album - it would be a damn cheek - suffice to say that I like the structure of this music which sits well around me. I'm kinda curious about sound as a healing mechanism and wonder if sometimes ones body just responds better to certain waves. It's really not just about the ears - it's the way it feels. Anyway ... rabbiting on ... I do like this album and will acquire it somewhere along the line.
"The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us." ~ Bill Watterson