ANOUAR BRAHEM - Barzakh (1991) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This starkly beautiful collection of 13 tracks by Tunisian composer Anouar Brahem is his debut release for the ECM label. The album spotlights Brahem's solo oud pieces, which range from the meditative ("Sadir") to the propulsive ("Ronda"). This solo work is nicely augmented by stellar contributions from violinist Bechir Selmi and percussionist Lassad Hosni; Selmi is featured on the transcendent "Barzakh," while Hosni figures prominently on "Souga" and "Bou Naouara." The three musicians come together for the joyous dance number "Parfum de Gitane." Throughout Barzakh, Brahem and the others forge an appealing mix of Middle Eastern sonorities and jazz phrasing, an intimate sound perfectly suited to the clean and spacious ECM recording style. This is a great title for fans of both international music and jazz. by Stephen Cook
Tracklist:
1  Raf Raf  3:37
Anouar Brahem
2  Barzakh 11:05
Anouar Brahem / Bechir Selmi
3  Sadir 6:36
Anouar Brahem
4  Ronda 3:11
Anouar Brahem
5  Hou 1:37
Anouar Brahem
6  Sarandib 2:50
Anouar Brahem
7  Souga 2:10
Lassad Hosni
8  Parfun de Gitane 4:17
Anouar Brahem
9  Bou Naouara 2:25
Lassad Hosni
10  Kerkenah 7:33
Anouar Brahem
11  La Nuit des Yeux 5:32
Anouar Brahem
12  Le Belvédère Assiége 4:17
Anouar Brahem
13  Qaf 1:43
Anouar Brahem
Credits:
Oud – Anouar Brahem
Percussion – Lassad Hosni
Producer – Manfred Eicher
Violin – Bechir Selmi