Anouar Brahem · Anja Lechner · Django Bates · Dave Holland: After the Last Sky. (2025 ECM Records).
The new album by Anouar Brahem, After the Last Sky, draws inspiration from the verses of Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish (1941–2008), offering a tribute that imbues the project with artistic depth and a profoundly introspective cultural context. In this work, Brahem, the Tunisian oud master, leads an exceptional quartet that seamlessly merges tradition and modernity with unparalleled delicacy and sensitivity.
The quartet is completed by three world-class musicians, each contributing their distinctive voice: the legendary bassist Dave Holland, whose mastery and rhythmic solidity structure and anchor the compositions; the english pianist Django Bates, who brings refined lyricism and sophisticated creativity; and the acclaimed german cellist Anja Lechner, who adds an emotional and textural dimension through her expressive interpretation and exceptional technical skill.
After the Last Sky unfolds as a sonic journey where each performer finds their space to engage in a musical dialogue that transcends genres. Brahem’s oud leads the ensemble with lyrical precision and melodic phrasing that oscillate between melancholy and contemplation. Lechner reinforces this atmosphere with cello lines that combine profound emotion with impeccable technical control, while Bates introduces freshness and dynamism through fluid and intricate improvisation. Holland, with his robust yet flexible double bass, creates a harmonic and rhythmic foundation that perfectly balances and supports the sonic tapestry.
This album not only highlights the technical and expressive virtuosity of its performers but also stands as a meditation on the connections between cultures and universal emotions. ECM's impeccable production accentuates every detail, texture, and nuance, making After the Last Sky a deeply immersive and emotional experience that deserves to be listened to with care and sensitivity.
