The astounding eyes of Rita (2009)/ Anouar Brahem & Klaus Gesing & Björn Meyer & Khaled Yassine

Opname: 2008.\n"Delightful project, assembled by Tunisian oud master Brahem with producer Manfred Eicher. Combination of bass clarinet with oud suggests a link to Anouars Thimar trio, but this East/West line-up often feels closer to the more traditionally-inclined sounds of Barzakh or Conte de lIncroyable Amour. Klaus Gesing, from Norma Winstones Trio, and Björn Meyer, from Nik Bärtschs Ronin, are both players with an affinity for musical sources beyond jazz, and they interact persuasively inside Brahems music. A dance of dark, warm sounds, urged onward by the darbouka and frame drum of Lebanaese percussionist Khaled Yassine. The album is dedicated to the memory of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish." (ECM)