In many respects this album sounds like a continuation of Brahem’s Blue Maqams album from 2017, it features Dave Holland (bass) and Django Bates on (piano), who played alongside Anouar Brahem (oud) on Blue Maqams and adds the haunting sound of Anja Lechner’s violoncello.
The achingly beautiful gentle, spell binding melodies one expects from Brahem are here yet again, with an even more gentle soulful unstoppable force. From its first note After The Last Sky takes listeners on yet another unique and magical musical journey lead by the oud master and his band of supreme musicians.
The music could be described as a modern baroque. It is woven from delicate fibres made of classical, Arabic, and jazz infused harmonies melodies and notes. It is resounding proof that the human spirit while able to generate the chaos we all witness, can also create antidotes in the form of astounding musical beauty.
From its first note After The Last Sky oozes something special. It compels and entices in a Siren like fashion. The first track Remembering Hind was written in memory of Hind Rajab, a six year old child who symbolises the untold suffering and barbarity that we are still witnessing in the Middle East today. It’s a lament of immense strength and beauty and stands as one of Brahem’s most impressive pieces. There are other references throughout to the plight and history of natives of the region, in the titles: The Eternal Olive Tree, The Sweet Oranges of Jaffa, Never Forget and Edward Said’s Reverie. The album ends with Vague, a lyrical almost hypnotic melody as befitting this amazing fit of creativity and musicianship.
The sound continues the longstanding tradition of excellence in ECM studio recordings, it sounds almost like a well recorded LP with warmth transparency and naturalness not often heard in digital recordings. At just over 56 minutes this album is a treat for one’s soul.
Reuben Klein