Towards The Light
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
Les Arrivants, i.e. Amichai Ben Shalev (bandoneon), Abdul-Wahab Kayyali (oud), and Hamin Honari (tombak, daf and percussion), return with a sophomore album, where their unique brand of world music embrace plenty of sonic ideas.
The warm climate of “City Of Ashes” opens with no lack of rhythm and melody from the trio, and “Phoenix Landing” follows with playful percussion and the meticulous bandoneon that emits much intrigue.
In the middle, “Espérances” welcomes Didem Basar’s precise kanun to the dreamy and rich climate, while the title track pays strong attention to mood via the player’s individual, inimitable strengths.
The last two tracks, “Corazón Desolado (Desolate Heart)” and “Mohajer (Migrant)”, host Reza Abaee and Pierre-Alexandre Maranda. The former makes great use of Maranda’s thick bass plucking in the hazy delivery, and the latter emits much beauty and grace via the eloquent strings.
Les Arrivants reside in Canada but come from Iran, Lebanon/Jordan, and Argentina, there’s plenty of influences from their homelands across these introspective, cultured and engaging selections.
Travels well with: Kenny Werner/Alon Michael- Fire And Praise; Rose Wollman- Breaking Glass Ceilings