Anouar Brahem, John Surman, Dave Holland - Thimar

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

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) June 11, 2008

shear beauty

Thimar is musically complex enough to retain an ongoing facsination while the virtuosity supports the inspired artistry without ego. February 15, 2007

Sublime recording. Transcendent.

So many beautiful and haunting passages throughout this recording and the deep source which this taps into is unmatched in any of Brahem's other works before or since.

The second piece "Kashf" is my personal favorite. "Kashf" the Arabic word meaning intuition, insight and discovery of unseen/unknown things, certainly transports one to a place they may never have visited before. And if this was all it would still be a worthwhile album, but there's so much more. The very next piece, deepens one's mood even further until the fourth where the Holland's double bass and Brahem's oud dance a musical duet. The lack of percussion is an important unifying thread through the tracks and allows the mind to fly and wander with the relaxed music.

This is music that can bring one to tears. No matter what you find in the reviews it's still indescribable and needs to be experienced. Unfortunately this trio of musicians hasn't recorded together again, which makes this even more special. A sublime recording of a very special synergy between the players and their instruments available for us to enjoy over and over.

Do yourself a favor, skip something else, and get this!

Enjoy. February 16, 2006

un viaggio meraviglioso

In questo disco ogni musicista, preso singolarmente, non ha bisogno di particolari presentazioni...
Insieme, cosa non sempre scontata, hanno saputo costruire una deliziosa alchimia sonora che mi ha sospinto in un viaggio meraviglioso con lievissima brezza soave.
Qui "comandano" anima ed istinto, non ho dubbi: un capolavoro. August 30, 2004

wonderful disk

This is one of my favorites disks. You'll really like it... for sure. May 21, 2004

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