Abu Nawas Rhapsody

Acclaimed for his fusion of world music with jazz, vocalist and oud player Dhafer Youssef now focuses more on the acoustic side of jazz with an exciting new quartet that includes pianist Tigran Hamasyan, bassist Chris Jennings and drummer Mark Guiliana. This new recording contrasts the sense of calm and serenity created by Dhafer’s mesmeric voice and oud playing with Guiliana’s trademark combination of energetic rhythmic multiple layers. The very special mix of musical elements and creative talent produces a new and original soundscape. With the musicians’ commitment to exploring and experimenting paired with their subtlety and courage to be silent, it is sure to catch the ear of any attentive listener. Born in Tunisia, Youssef has been living in Europe since the 1990s working with an eclectic mix of musicians including Nguyen Le, Markus Stockhausen, Renaud Garcia-Fons, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Nils-Paetter Molvaer and Eivind Aarset. His recent recordings, ‘Divine Shadows’ (2006), with musicians from the Norwegian nu-jazz scene and ‘Glow’, a collaboration with Wolfgang Muthspiel, have been acclaimed by the critics and his live performances in the UK have attracted large audiences. Personnel: Dhafer Youssef (vocals, oud), Tigran Hamasyan (piano), Chris Jennings (bass), Mark Guiliana (drums)