I first heard the track “The Astounding Eyes of Rita” on Roon radio. I don’t remember the playlist or artist Roon was riffing on when it started streaming the song, but it was one of those moments when you are grateful for the algorithm. I do remember the date I heard the song because I immediately added the album of the same title to my Roon library: November 18, 2021. I’ve had a love affair with Anouar Brahem’s music ever since.
What caught my attention immediately was not simply the beautiful Tunisian sound; it was how the groove wove in jazz and Western classical music. It felt foreign and familiar to me at the same time. Captivating.
What held my attention was the oud. I had no idea what the instrument was when I first heard the track, but I learned quickly that Anouar Brahem is considered to be one of the world’s greatest and most accomplished oud players. It was a lucky introduction for me.
Sometimes you hear musicians talk about “the space between the notes.” I’m not a musician and never fully understood the take until I heard Anouar Brahem’s music. You get it right off the bat on the first track, so stop reading this and go have a listen.