Silwan
Levantine, 2025
9/10
The esteemed Palestinian-American composer, buzuq and oud player Wanees Zarour is in the company of some excellent players for these 7 worldly tracks.
The title track opens with Andrew Lawrence’s twinkling keys and Zarour’s warm buzuq making for much beauty and wonder that builds into a rich climate, and “Lifta” follows with Bryan Pardo’s bright sax and Catie Hickey’s soulful trombone adding much color to the textured delivery.
“Festival” and “Fig Tree” land in the middle. The former makes great use of Tareq Rantisi’s radiant percussion amid Nick Kabat’s fluid drumming, while the latter enlists Zarour’s oud amid much sophistication and beauty.
The longest track, “Anthem”, exits with Samuel Mosching’s glowing guitar and Vinny Kabat’s precise bass alongside the lively and rhythmic finish to a very detailed record.
An enlightening and cultured affair, Zarour’s vision and the East Loop ensemble touch on Palestinian heritage, Arabic traditions and Chicago jazz and blues with incredible chemistry. -
Travels well with: John Clay- About Time; Pete Mills- For The Record