Diwan e Ghalib

The Tunisian singer and oud-player Dhafer Youssef once said quite spontaneously “There is no prototype for beauty”. This disarmingly unconditional statement is in fact sufficient to sum up the motivation and sound of his new album Diwan Of Beauty & Odd. Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to savour the Tunisian’s passionate, yet peacefully dreamy soundscapes will on this album instantly recognise his temperament and instinctive feel for transcending musical boundaries. As Youssef’s voice soars to increasingly lofty heights, all earthly things are left behind.

Diwan Of Beauty And Odd, the first album Tunisian composer, singer and oud player Dhafer Youssef has recorded with an all-American band, carries all the trademarks this exceptional artist is known for: beautiful melodies, heartfelt chanting over infectious grooves and great artistry on his instruments, as well as of all musicians performing with him. These young jazz musicians understand Dhafer's musical world perfectly, and thoroughly enjoy the music making – just listen to how perfectly trumpet player Akinmusire plays in unison with Dhafer or how pianist Aaron Parks duets with him on Fly Shadow Fly. Although the album is more rooted in jazz, his traditional Sufi chants give it a unique and touching quality.

Combining both Western and Eastern musical sensibilities to stunning effect, DIWAN is a diverse yet organically coherent mix of musical elements. Hard to define or dissect but with deep roots in contemporary Jazz and Classical influences melded to a shared love for Persian and South Asian classical and devotional music. All of which serves to create an inimitable soundscape.