Astrakan Café - Sheet Music

Here's a transcription I did of the title piece from Anouar Brahem's album Astrakan Cafe. There are two versions on the album. They are mainly the same, but are slightly different in the number of repeats and some of the rhythms are played with variations throughout. I tried to create an overall version. Another ending possibility is just repeating the last four bars and fading out.

You can purchase this great album from Amazon:
Astrakan Café

Anouar Brahem Sheet Music

Here are some transcriptions I have made of Anouar Brahem's music. Brahem is well-known as one of the foremost Arabic jazz oud players and composers. His work (especially his more recent recordings) tend to be meditative in tone, but he can still surprise with fiery intensity on occasion.

Note: These transcriptions are my own work, which I am providing for educational purposes only. If anyone objects to their inclusion, please notify me and they will be removed immediately.

Halfouine, from Astrakan Café (also appears on Le Voyage De Sahar).

Lecon du Oud, from The Silences of the Palace.

Qurb, from Thimar. Note that there are some rhythmic anomalies on the recording, this is my best guess as to Brahem's intent. This was originally performed with the outstanding jazz musicians Dave Holland (bass) and John Surman (bass clarinet, soprano saxophone).

Parfum de Gitane, from Astrakan Café (also appears on Barzakh).

Anouar Brahem, part 2

	Astrakan Café - 2000 Anouar Brahem : oud Barbaros Erköse : clarinet Lassad Hosni : bendir, darbouka
	Le Pas du Chat Noir - 2002 A very subdued album that rewards repeated listening. Brahem's oud playing does not dominate, but blends with the piano and accordion, with echoes of Bill Evans, Philip Glass, Schubert and Chopin. Anouar Brahem : oud François Couturier : piano Jean Louis Matinier : accordion
	Voyage du Sahar - 2006 Very similar album to Le Pas du Chat Noir Anouar Brahem : oud François Couturier : piano Jean Louis Matinier : accordion
	The Astounding Eyes Of Rita - 2009 Brahem returns here to a more energetic style, with playing and compositions reminiscent of Astrakan Café and Thimar. Anouar Brahem : oud Klaus Gesing : bass clarinet Björn Meyer : bass Khaled Yassine : darbouka, bendir
	Madar - 1994 This is Garbarek's record, and it contains some compelling music. However, Garbarek has an unusual and strident tone of the saxophone, which is not everyone's cup of tea. Jan Garbarek : tenor and soprano saxophones Anouar Brahem : oud Ustad Shaukat Hussain : tabla

There are also some bootlegs of Anouar Brahem concerts floating around teh internets. I don't want to link to them directly, but the concerts are:

Live In Salvator Kirche Church at Duisburg, Germany
Live at Teatro Sociale, Bellinzona, Switzerland, 1998 (with John Surman and Dave Holland)
Zürich International Jazz Festival 1993 (with Jan Garbarek and Shaukat Hussain)

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