Dhafer Youssef - Birds Requiem (2013)

A strong new (x11 trk) album with a jazz base and Dhafer Youssef’s renowned traditional Sufi-Chants. Dhafer’s new band is one of the most powerful live formations and features special guests Nils Petter Molvaer und Eivind Aarset. Dhafer Youssef (born 19. November 1967 in Teboulba, Tunisia) is a composer, singer and oud player. He developed an interest in jazz at an early age and clandestinely listened to it during his education. Dhafer has released five albums of his own, as well as notable work with Sardinian trumpeter Paolo Fresu and the Norwegian guitarist Eivind Aarset. He indicates an affinity for the music of India and Nordic music. Youssef has also performed with Uri Caine, Jon Hassell, Markus Stockhausen and the Cuban pianist Omar Sosa. Specialist promo & marketing activity.

Tracklist:

1. Birds Canticum "Birds Requiem" Suite
2. Sweet Blasphemy
3. Blending Souls & Shades (to Shiraz)
4. Ascetic Mood
5. Fuga Hirundinum "Birds Requiem" Suite
6. Khira "Indicium Divinum" Elegy for My Mother
7. 39th Gülay (to Istanbul) - Aytac Dogan
8. Archaic Feathers "Birds Requiem" Suite
9. Sevdah (to Jon Hassell)
10. Ascetic Journey - Aytac Dogan
11. Whirling Birds Ceremony "Birds Requiem" Suite

Personnel:

Dhafer Youssef (oud, vocals),
Hüsnü Şenlendirici (clarinet),
Nils Petter Molvær (trumpet),
Aytaç Doğan (kanun),
Eivind Aarset (electric guitar, electronics, second ear),
Kristjan Randalu (piano),
Phil Donkin (double bass),
Chandler Sardjoe (drums).