Eight years after Blue Maqams, Anouar Brahem returns with a poignant project, titled after a line of verse by Palestinian 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.

1. “Remembering Hind”
2. “After the Last Sky”
3. “Endless Wandering”
4. “The Eternal Olive Tree”
5. “Awake”
6. “In the Shade of Your Eyes”
7. “Dancing Under the Meteorites”
8. “The Sweet Oranges of Jaffa”
9. “Never Forget”
10. “Edward Said’s Reverie”
11. “Vague”

On a recording where the cello is given the first and last statements, this new set opens on an gilded, yet aching yearn that veins throughout “Remembering Hind” and then we get the sumptuously driven title track “After the Last Sky,” the poignant “Endless Wandering,” the gently melodious “The Eternal Olive Tree” and then we get the sheer scintillating elegance of “Awake” brought forth.

Recorded at Lugano’s Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in May 2024, and produced by Manfred Eicher, along next is the thirst-sculpted ambiance of “In the Shade of Your Eyes” which is itself backed seamlessly by the stylishly refined “Dancing Under the Meteorites,” the all-embracing “The Sweet Oranges of Jaffa,” the album rounding out on the precisely cultivated, Eastern-hued “Never Forget,” the veritably crystalline Edward Said’s Reverie, closing on the sweeping elegance of “Vague.”

The album is issued as the Brahem quartet embarks on a European tour with concerts in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium.

Anouar Brahem - After The Last Sky (from the new album After The Last Sky) Official Teaser | ECM Records

Official Purchase Links

www.anouarbrahem.com