This fascinating project was conceived by Tunisian oud virtuoso Brahem in collaboration with producer Manfred Eicher. While the combination of oud and bass clarinet is reminiscent of Anouar's "Thimar" Trio, this East-West lineup is closer to the more traditional soundscapes of "Barzakh" or "Conte de l'Incroyable Amour." Musicians Klaus Gesing (from Norma Winstone's trio) and Björn Meyer (from Nik Bärtsch's Ronin) contribute their affinity for musical influences outside of jazz and blend impressively into Brahem's compositions. Lebanese percussionist Khaled Yassine propels the dance of warm, dark sounds forward with darbuka and frame drum. The album is dedicated to the memory of the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.
