Track Listing

1. The Lover Of Beirut
2. Dance With Waves
3. Stopover At Djibouti
4. The Astounding Eyes Of Rita
5. Al Birwa
6. Galilee Mon Amour
7. Waking State
8. For No Apparent Reason

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1088 in Music
• Released on: 2009-09-28
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .24 pounds

CD Description
In the 21st century Anouar Brahem has become one of ECM's most popular artists, with a staunch worldwide following and near-unanimously positive press reactions. The label's 40th anniversary brings a new album of warm, dark sounds and dancing, organic pulses from the Tunisian oud master, performed by his new band.

After two CDs more closely related to European music ('Le Pas de Chat Noir', 'Le Voyage de Sahar') comes a recording built more upon traditional phrasing and Arab modes - in some aspects resembling Brahem's 'Barzakh' and the bestselling 'Astrakan Café', but with some of the improvisational freedoms of 'Thimar'. The quartet from Tunisia, Germany, Sweden and Lebanon - now fired-up for international performances which include a first European tour this autumn - was brought together by Anouar and ECM producer Manfred Eicher initially for this album.

New music Brahem had written in 2008 seemed to call for a new group, modulating between cultures and disciplines. His work in the "Thimar" trio with John Surman had made him particularly enthusiastic about the blending of oud and bass clarinet, and Anouar was excited when he heard Norma Winstone's 'Distances' with clarinettist Klaus Gesing. Eicher also recommended Björn Meyer whose highly mobile bass guitar is a regular highlight of performances by Nik Bärtsch's Ronín band (see ECM albums 'Stoa' and 'Holon'). On hand drums, Brahem added insightful young Lebanese percussionist Khaled Yassine.

The album's unusual title references the poetry of Palestinian writer Mahmoud Darwish (1941-2008), to whom the disc is dedicated. Darwish's famous poem "Rita and the Rifle" tells of love thwarted by political realities. Perfect for multi-format radio, the evocative music of 'The Astounding Eyes of Rita' is certain to be embraced by filmmakers, too - Brahem's music is increasingly being used in movies and documentaries.

Personnel:
Anouar Brahem: (oud), Klaus Gesing (bass clarinet), Björn Meyer (bass), Khaled Yassine (percussion)

Customer Reviews

Tunisian Soul
The Oud is an artefact of almost alchemical power.
A lute-like instrument of ancient Arabic heritage,
in Anouar Brahem's hands it both cuts like a knife
and soothes like a healing balm.

This album came my way by courtesy of a learned friend.
I am a newcomer to Mr Brahem and his music.
'The Astounding Eyes Of Rita' is a revelation.

The eight pieces in this collection are largely slow
in pace, reflective and almost hypnotic in their
power to engage both mind and emotion.

The inner workings of compositional and improvisatory
elements are seamlessly integrated in music of magical
complexity. It is an elusive and beguiling formula.

Klaus Gesing's bass clarinet must share equal credit
for the extraordinary sound-world created here.
It is a magnificent presence.
Bjorn Meyer's bass and Khaled Yassine's percussion
provide a solid but subtle rhythmic foundation.

A true ensemble exercise in every way.

Opening track 'The Lover Of Beirut' delivers some haunting
unison playing from Brahem and Gesing. The melodic material
takes its time to get under your skin and before you know
it you're inside the music looking out. A prisoner of beauty.

'Stopover At Djibouti' is a marginally more playful piece but
no-less lacking in intensity. The clarinet melody beginning about
two-and-a-half minutes in is the stuff that dreams are made of.
Lithe and slippery and entirely delightful. Brahem's mercurial
reply to Gesing's solo is equally breathtaking.

'Waking State' is a stunningly simple and exposed meditation.
At its heart an ethereal voice appears and
disappears like a ghost in the desert.
The stuff of true enchantment !

Final track 'For No Apparent Reason' finds an almost funky groove
and concludes the album on an eminently enjoyable upbeat note.

One of the finest recordings in any genre I have heard this year.

Essential.

...a delicate sound
Like always, a sweet sound. Very elegant, indeed. Anouar Brahem is not only an excellent jazzman but he use delicate instruments to produce a delicate sound. Five stars.

THE LOVELY RITA
This is very much a celebratorty release from the Tunisian oud master,as usual the mood is captured admirably by Manfred Eicher with a sound so pure it makes this Saharan opus seem Glacial,Klaus Gesing(Bass clarinet) is a force Majure of sound and Bjorn Meyer (Bass) and Khaled Yassinedarbouke,Bendir)serve their master well.
Brahem is well on his way to being recognised as a cornerstone of African music and this release can only enhance his Reputation.
The music is deep and spiritual,and can only reflect our fascination with all things oud and new!