Inana

AMIR EL SAFFAR / TWO RIVERS ENSEMBLE: Inana
Pi, 2011

AVANT/WORLD – Iraqi-American trumpeter ElSaffar continues his deep exploration of the maqam classical idiom and microtonal contrast, working in a sextet that blends jazz and traditional Iraqi instruments. The sound is very much a hybrid. It’s strong, heady stuff that should catch the ears of creative-jazz and world music fans alike, although the music does jump around quite a bit and may take some getting used to.

Fo’s Picks: 2, 6, 7, 9

1. 9:41 – slow and thoughtful, haunting santour (dulcimer), sax gets twisty
2. 10:32 – lively: very traditional theme, horn solos pop but oud & bass reflect
3. 7:07 – great drums: dancing start, then low crawl, horn moans, buzuq solo
4. 4:47 – continues from 3: lively bounce, sax/trumpet hop over strong rhythm
5. 2:29 – slow and slouching interlude, microtonal harmony feels off-balance
6. 5:22 – gloopy march made up of intersecting lines, analytical solos
7. 15:12 – based on an epic myth: a lengthy voyage with strong moaning vocal, vigorous solos from everybody, energy peaks in the middle
8. 4:16 – slow, strange intro settles into a rumbling maqam with calm vocal
9. 5:52 – upbeat and rhythmic, traditional sound and very nice melody/solos

[ Fo ] - November 2011