Blue Maqams cover
Released

Of all the crossover projects Tunisian oud virtuoso Anouar Brahem has gifted the world via ECM, Blue Maqams is the most dreamlike and vibrant. Sharing breathing room once again with bassist Dave Holland (don’t pass up their collaboration with John Surman on 1998’s Thimar) and, for the first time, drummer Jack DeJohnette and pianist Django Bates, he embodies patience in every careful composition the quartet interprets. The album’s title track is special for its evocativeness and, like the rest of the album, points to the strengths of Brahem’s bandmates, each of whom shimmers in their own way.

Tyran Grillo

Recommended by

Suggestions
Valentine cover

Valentine

Bill Frisell
Kurzsam and Fulger cover

Kurzsam and Fulger

Christian Wallumrød Ensemble
Placenta cover

Placenta

Carlos Niño
Re: ECM cover

Re: ECM

Max Loderbauer, Ricardo Villalobos
Travelers cover

Travelers

Patrice Moret, Colin Vallon, Lionel Friedli, Nicolas Masson
Hymns/Spheres cover

Hymns/Spheres

Keith Jarrett
Andando el Tiempo cover

Andando el Tiempo

Carla Bley, Andy Sheppard, Steve Swallow
The Ground cover

The Ground

Tord Gustavsen Trio
Landmarks cover

Landmarks

Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band
A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke cover

A Cosmic Rhythm With Each Stroke

Wadada Leo Smith, Vijay Iyer
Napoli Trip cover

Napoli Trip

Stefano Bollani