Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Anouar Brahem

All of Brahem's available releases are on ECM. He has a simpler, more contemplative style than most oud players, and has on occasion shown his more traditional side. He rarely plays microtonal maqamat.

Selected discography:

Barzakh - 1991

With spare instumentation, much of the album is quite understated, though not without flights of virtuosity.

Anouar Brahem : oud
Béchir Selmi : violin
Lassad Hosni : percussion






Conte de l'incroyable amour - 1992
One of Brahem's more traditional-sounding records, there is a lot of nice playing here by everyone, though the compositions do not stand out as Brahem's best.

Anouar Brahem : oud
Barbaros Erköse : clarinet
Kudsi Erguner : nai
Lassad Hosni : bendir,darbouka




Khomsa - 1995

Featuring a larger ensemble and more jazz-influenced writing, Khomsa was rated 4 stars by Downbeat


Anouar Brahem : oud
Richard Gálliano : accordion
François Couturier : piano, synthesizer
Jean Marc Larché : soprano saxophone
Béchir Selmi : violin
Palle Danielsson : double-bass
Jon Christensen : drums



Thimar - 1998

This is one of my favorite albums. Haunting sounds, excellent compositions and beautiful playing by all. 4 stars from DownBeat.


Anouar Brahem : oud
John Surman : bass clarinet and soprano saxophone
Dave Holland : double-bass