After The Last Sky
Anouar Brahem Quartet
ECM
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The title of Tunisian oud player Anouar Brahem’s latest release, After the Last Sky was taken from the poem entitled ‘Where should the birds fly after the last sky by Palestinian Mahmoud Darwish. It is a reference to the horrific Gaza war ín the Middle East and, more generally, to the long history of conflict in that part of the world. Particular pieces of the music are remembrances relevant to protests of recent times by political pacifists, writers and academics. It is also, more widely, in praise of Middle Eastern culture and life, themes that Brahem referenced in earlier albums, including Souvenance.
For this quartet recording Brahem is joined by UK collaborators, double bassist Dave Holland and pianist Django Bates. In a throwback to earlier recordings in which Brahem called on a third string player he is joined on this recording by the acclaimed German classical cellist Anja Lechner, whose playing often takes centre stage. This will hopefully not be the last time Brahem and Lechner join forces.
Some album highlights:
Remembering Hind, in memory of a young Gaza victim
Dancing under the meteorites, a surprise tango
Vague featuring Anja Lechner
After the Last Sky is a jazz/classical fusion of folk-like and luxurious melodies and is highly recommended. All pieces were composed or jointly composed by Brahem.
-Robert Vale