Conte de L'incroyable Amour is Tunisian composer and oud virtuoso
Anouar Brahem's follow-up to his excellent ECM debut,
Barzakh. Like its predecessor, this release contains original material that mixes Arabic music and jazz improvisation and features a stellar band comprised of some of Turkey's finest musicians (this time out
Brahem is joined by clarinetist Barbaros Erkose, nay (reed flute) player Kudsi Ergune, and the percussionist from
Barzakh,
Lassad Hosni). In contrast to
Barzakh's livelier mood, though, the sound here is more meditative and even stark at times, especially on solo flights by both
Brahem ("Iram Retrouvee") and Erkose ("Etincelles") and by way of Erguner's ethereal improvisations ("Diversion"). The pace picks up on the sympathetically played and joyous ensemble piece "Conte de L'incroyable Amour" and on the impassioned
Brahem and Erkose duet, "Nayzak." ECM's typically sparse and airy production compliments
Brahem's ascetic material without making it sound too dry. A wonderful album that, upon repeated listening, reveals many transcendent moments. ~ Stephen Cook