Humza Yusuf

The deeply spiritual vision of British singer/songwriter of Azeri roots Sami Yusuf is on fine display in this shimmering theological journey into Sufi musical traditions. A profoundly minimal affair, the album emphasises Yusuf’s gorgeous voice, presented solo or boosted by massed a cappella choirs, often with only cavernous echo for company, as on the lovely “Inna Fil Jannati” and dramatically soaring “Hamziyya”. Such sparseness only highlights Yusuf’s periodic and cautious use of instrumentation, which ranges from the ancient sounds of the Turkish tanbour on "Ben Yürürüm Yane Yane" to hints of traditional British folk on “Fiyyashiyya”.

Cellist Brian Thornton is joined by pianist Spencer Myer and clarinetist Afendi Yusuf in a program of chamber music on the Steinway & Sons label. An impeccable performance of Debussy’s striking Cello Sonata is followed by the lovely Clarinet Trio by Brahms. Brian Thornton is a multi-faceted musician who has touched the lives of thousands of people through musical outreach programs around the world. Mr. Thornton began playing the cello in the public school system of Chicago, giving him a passion for teaching young musicians and public school outreach programs.

Cellist Brian Thornton is joined by pianist Spencer Myer and clarinetist Afendi Yusuf in a program of chamber music on the Steinway & Sons label. An impeccable performance of Debussy’s striking Cello Sonata is followed by the lovely Clarinet Trio by Brahms. Brian Thornton is a multi-faceted musician who has touched the lives of thousands of people through musical outreach programs around the world. Mr. Thornton began playing the cello in the public school system of Chicago, giving him a passion for teaching young musicians and public school outreach programs.