Anouar Brahem

The oud, a Middle Eastern lute like instrument, has been revolutionized in the composing and playing of Tunisian oudist / composer Anouar Brahem. In his hands, it's an imaginative instrument capable of accompanying musicians from across the spectrum. He's composed for film and musical theater productions work with Gabriel Yared on the Costa-Gravas film Hanna K, and Moufida Tlatli's The Silences of the Palace. Since releasing Barzakh in 1991, he's recorded for ECM. 1995's Khomsa included Richard Galliano, while 1998's Thimar showcased Brahem with John Surman and Dave Holland. 2009's The Astounding Eyes Of Rita charted in four countries, as did 2014's double length Souvenance. Three years later Brahem released the quartet offering Blue Maqams with Holland, Jack DeJohnette, and Django Bates. He returned in 2025 with After the Last Sky, featuring Holland, Bates, and cellist Anja Lechner.