Search - Anouar Brahem, Dave Holland, John Surman :: Thimar

ECM? Oh, I'll take it...

Gazzelloni | Cincinnati, OH USA | 06/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For starters, ECM doesn't release junk. They just don't do it. If you are a fan of one ECM release you are a fan of them all. In this regard, ECM is one label that takes the guessing game out of purchasing music. All but two of the 11 tracks on here are original compositions by Brahem, with "Mazad" being composed by Holland and "Kernow" by Surman. Amidst the ripping bass lines of Dave Holland and the ardent musings of John Surman's soprano sax and bass clarinet, Brahem weaves his captivating strums upon the oud into this reflective outing. Bursting into a subdued musical rapture with two refined veterans of improvisation, Brahem manages to capture our imaginations and hold our attention throughout. One of those rare albums that one just listens to as the centerpiece of activity. (Beautiful)"

Organic Sound

Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 07/06/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rich and resonant in tone, Brahem's oud blends well on this recording with the soprano sax and bass clarinet of John Surman and the bass of Dave Holland. The music defies tidy description: it sounds rooted in an Arabic tradition, but yet sounds modern. It is remarkable to hear these three musicians interact with each other, and it is even more remarkable when you stop to consider that Surman and Holland have not grown up playing Arabic music. It is clear that all three are remarkable musicians, and it is clear that they really enjoyed recording with one another. Without percussion, the music needs an anchoring force, and Holland's bass performs that role, supplying a pulse that the music can spring forth from, but also supplying a melodic voice from time to time as the three musicians weave in and out of each others' lines.



This is music that truly seems organic, music that truly seems to grow from musical seeds that all three musicians bring to their fruitful collaboration ("Thimar," by the way, means "fruits"). Veteran ECM engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug works his usual practical magic in blending these three distinctive yet sympathetic sounds together into a pleasing and distinguished mix."

Shear beauty

Steve Miller | San Diego, CA | 02/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thimar is musically complex enough to retain an ongoing facsination while the virtuosity supports the inspired artistry without ego."