After an eight-year hiatus, Anouar Brahem presents a new, moving album whose title is taken from a verse by Mahmoud Darwish, posing the question: "Where shall the birds fly after the last heaven?" Delicate chamber music pieces for oud, cello, piano, and bass take up this profound, metaphysical question and reflect its relevance in a time of unrest. Brahem consistently pursues his goal of not only adhering to the traditional forms of Arabic music but also openly engaging with global influences and drawing inspiration from diverse cultures. The international quartet once again includes bassist Dave Holland and pianist Django Bates; cellist Anja Lechner is a new addition. The musical connection between Brahem and Holland, which began on the 1998 album Thimar, is now considered legendary. Anouar has often emphasized: "Dave's playing gives me wings," an impression that is repeatedly confirmed on this latest recording. Django Bates supports the ensemble with his piano playing and striking, vibrant solos. For the first time ever, Brahem integrates the cello as a core element of his group music. Anja Lechner, already familiar with Brahem's compositions and having included them in her own concerts, shapes the album as the leading voice – the cello opens and closes the musical journey. "After the Last Sky" was recorded in May 2024 at the Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in Lugano, under the direction of Manfred Eicher. The album's release coincides with a European tour by the Brahem Quartet, which includes concerts in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium.
