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Anouar Brahem

Anouar Brahem is a Tunisian oud master and composer, widely acclaimed for his ability to blend traditional Arabic music with jazz and other genres to create a sound that is both deeply rooted and refreshingly contemporary. Born on October 20, 1957, in Halfaouine in the Medina of Tunis, Brahem began studying the oud at the age of 10 and later enrolled at the National Conservatory of Music in Tunis. His passion for jazz and world music fueled his desire to break the boundaries of traditional Arabic music, leading him to Paris in the late 1980s where his career flourished.

Brahem's discography is a testament to his innovative spirit and commitment to artistic exploration. His 1994 release "Barzakh" showcased his collaboration with saxophonist Jan Garbarek and tabla player Ustad Shaukat Hussain, while "Khomsa" (1995) featured original pieces he composed for Tunisian cinema and theater, adapted for his ensemble. With "Thimar" (1998), Brahem joined forces with bassist Dave Holland and saxophonist John Surman, and continued his genre-blending journey. His more recent works, such as the melancholic "Souvenance" (2014) in response to the Arab Spring, and "Blue Maqams" (2017), which was recorded with jazz luminaries like pianist Django Bates, bassist Dave Holland and drummer Jack DeJohnette, reflect his sustained contributions to world music and his ability to create transcultural bridges through his compositions. Brahem's music is characterized by its poeticism, intricacy, and evocative power, inviting listeners into a world that transcends geographical and stylistic borders.

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