Amin Al Aiedy - SHAMS (2023) [Hi-Res]

On this album and on stage, Amin Al Aiedy (oud and compositions) is playing in quartet with the following musicians:

Vincent Forestier: piano
Matheo Cielsa: drums
Jean Waché: doublebass

Amin Al Aiedy, composer and oud player:
“Since childhood, the East and the West have always coexisted within me, whether in my blood, language, or the music listened to within the family. After studying contemporary music, then classical, and eventually delving into jazz, the paths of life led me to live and study on the other side of the Mediterranean, where I was able to deeply absorb Arab music and culture. It was upon returning from this journey that the need to create a two- dimensional music became apparent. The idea sprouted during the lengthy introspective period of confinement, finally culminating in the creation, at the beginning of the summer of 2020, of a project that synthesizes this journey.”

The project:
“The aim of this music is to bring together the harmonic and rhythmic riches of the Western world with the oral tradition and melodic spirituality of the Eastern world. Jazz modes infuse themselves with Arab maqams, intertwining with diverse polyrhythms. Improvisation, too, takes flight, weaving between written cadences and crafting new arabesques together. SHAMS is an ode to a captivating region of the world that truly fascinates me: Bilad al Sham, which translates to « Land of the Sun », encompassing the Levant or Middle East. Drawing inspiration from this culturally rich and vibrant area, I aimed to create music that radiates brightness and warmth. Over the course of two years, I composed these nine pieces, seeking to paint a diverse landscape that effortlessly blends jazz, modes, and Arabic rhythms. Melody takes center stage, flowing through irregular beats and finding freedom in the musicians’ improvisations, with whom I immensely enjoy playing.” Amin Al Aiedy

Tracklist:
1.01 - Amin Al Aiedy - Morning Fractal (5:34)
1.02 - Amin Al Aiedy - Eclipse (6:38)
1.03 - Amin Al Aiedy - Bambi (7:27)
1.04 - Amin Al Aiedy - Taqsim for Chadi (3:52)
1.05 - Amin Al Aiedy - Snow On Baghdad (7:07)
1.06 - Amin Al Aiedy - SHAMS (Soleil) (9:45)
1.07 - Amin Al Aiedy - Isabelle (8:42)
1.08 - Amin Al Aiedy - Nabû (6:33)
1.09 - Amin Al Aiedy - Evening Fractal (6:59)