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File under: Contemporary
Anouar Brahem, Anja Lechner, Django Bates, Dave Holland
After the Last Sky (2LP)
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Eight years after Blue Maqams, Anouar Brahem returns with a poignant project, titled after a line of verse by poet Mahmoud Darwish, which asks “Where should the birds fly, after the last sky?” Graceful chamber pieces for oud, cello, piano and bass subtly address the metaphysical question and its broad resonances in a troubled time. While drawing upon the traditional modes of Arab music, Brahem has consistently sought to engage with the wider world, too, and found inspiration in many sources from different cultures. Bassist Dave Holland and pianist Django Bates are again part of the Tunisian oud master’s international quartet, joined now by cellist Anja Lechner.
Brahem’s rapport with Holland – first established on the Thimar album of 1998 – is meanwhile legendary. “Dave’s playing gives me wings,” Anouar has said, an observation that materializes repeatedly across the record. Django Bates’ piano, an important supportive force throughout, contributes swirling solos. The album marks the first time that Anouar has included a cellist in his group music. Anja Lechner, a leading voice in the recording, has long been conversant with Brahem’s compositions and included them in her own recitals. The cello is given the first and last statements here. “After the Last Sky” was recorded at Lugano’s Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in May 2024, and produced by Manfred Eicher. The album is issued as the Brahem quartet embarks on a European tour with concerts in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium.
Details
File under: Contemporary
Cat. number: ECM 2838, 753 4425
Year: 2025
Release notes
Double vinyl set housed in one normal sleeve (no gatefold) Recorded May 2024 Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI, Lugano An ECM Production Cover: [...], courtesy of Gallery Rosenfeld, London In collaboration with RSI Rete Due, Lugano ℗ © 2025 ECM Records GmbH Made in the EU
Tracklist
| A1 | Remembering Hind | 1:52 | |
| A2 | After The Last Sky | 5:42 | |
| A3 | Endless Wandering | 8:11 | |
| B1 | The Eternal Olive Tree | 4:00 | |
| B2 | Awake | 8:49 | |
| B3 | In The Shades Of Your Eyes | 4:27 | |
| C1 | Dancing Under The Meteorites | 4:25 | |
| C2 | The Sweet Oranges Of Jaffa | 7:13 | |
| D1 | Never Forget | 7:49 | |
| D2 | Edward Said's Reverie | 2:58 | |
| D3 | Vague | 3:13 |
Credits
- Anja Lechner
- Arranged By [Cooperation On Arrangements] (11), Violoncello
- Johannes Berauer
- Arranged By [Cooperation On Arrangements]
- Klaus Gesing
- Arranged By [Cooperation On Arrangements]
- Sebastian Schneider
- Arranged By [Cooperation On Arrangements]
- Emmanuel Barcilon
- Cover
- Sascha Kleis
- Design
- Dave Holland
- Double Bass
- Stefano Amerio
- Engineer
- Adam Shatz
- Liner Notes [English]
- Anouar Brahem
- Liner Notes [English], Oud
- Caterina di Perri
- Photography By [Liner Photos (P. 5, 20/21)]
- Sam Harfouche
- Photography By [Liner Photos]
- Django Bates
- Piano
- Manfred Eicher
- Producer [Produced By]
