This starkly beautiful collection of 13 tracks by Tunisian composer
Anouar Brahem is his debut release for the ECM label. The album spotlights
Brahem's solo oud pieces, which range from the meditative ("Sadir") to the propulsive ("Ronda"). This solo work is nicely augmented by stellar contributions from violinist
Bechir Selmi and percussionist
Lassad Hosni;
Selmi is featured on the transcendent "Barzakh," while
Hosni figures prominently on "Souga" and "Bou Naouara." The three musicians come together for the joyous dance number "Parfum de Gitane." Throughout
Barzakh,
Brahem and the others forge an appealing mix of Middle Eastern sonorities and jazz phrasing, an intimate sound perfectly suited to the clean and spacious ECM recording style. This is a great title for fans of both international music and jazz. ~ Stephen Cook