Brahem, Anouar – “Thimar ” – [Ecm Bmg Records]

Rococo   7/5/2005   CD, Jazz

It’s impossible for me to review this CD without first saying how incredible the sound quality is on this recording. This is the kind of CD you’d want to take to your nearest high-end audio shop and play on their $20,000 sound system. Just close your eyes and YOU ARE THERE! The clarity, the separation, the depth…wow! Fortunately, the performances here are indeed equal to this marvel of recording technology. Anouar Brahem is a Tunisian oud virtuoso who has spent years learning Arab classical music, but who also seeks to explore new contexts for his instrument. On this album he is joined by two near- legends in jazz: John Surman (on bass clarinet and soprano sax) and Dave Holland (on double-bass). The result is an incredibly beautiful and intimate trio recording, blending jazz and Arab classical musics into something wholly original. Five stars!