(ECM)
Both Golfam Khayam and Mona Matbou Riahi come from Iran, but both have lived outside the country for a while and had other musical interests ranging from contemporary classical music and some jazz (guitarist Khayam) and rock, jazz and free improv as well as classical (clarinettist Riahi).
It makes their return to Persian music all the more vital. They have a perspective on the traditional music of their homeland, and bring sensibilities from other genres to it which enrich rather than dilute it.
Golfam Khayam and Mona Matbou Riahi
Khayam explains that in Narrante, “the freshness and purpose of improvisation comes mostly from the Persian side, while the careful structure and careful crafting comes from Western contemporary music”. While music that sounds improvised may well be pre-composed, that which sounds fully composed may by improvised, so completely have these two musicians, collectively known as the Naqsh Duo, not only immersed themselves in their instruments but also in the roots of the music.
A striking and orginal release which sounds like nothing you have heard before yet also has a reassuring familiarity after only a few hearings.
Categories: Review
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