Blue Maqams offers numerous reasons to celebrate Anouar Brahem's 60th birthday. Recorded at Avatar Studio in New York and produced by Manfred Eicher, this May 2017 release brings the Tunisian oud virtuoso together with three outstanding improvisational artists. After two decades, this release reunites Brahem with Dave Holland, with whom he previously collaborated on the acclaimed album Thimar. While Brahem and Jack DeJohnette meet here for the first time, Holland and DeJohnette share a long-standing musical partnership. Django Bates, the British pianist, interprets Brahem's compositions with exceptional skill. In this formation, Anouar presents his most dynamic playing. As a highlight of ECM's autumn 2018 season, Blue Maqams will be complemented by live performances from the quartet.
