Silwan - coming soon

The soon-to-be released album Silwan is a boundary-pushing exploration that brings maqam, the microtonal system of Middle Eastern music, into the jazz framework. It embraces the performance practices of both traditions, while utilizing contemporary composition methods. The core focus of the project lies in the compositions, and their ability to merge these two frameworks into a cohesive sound that authentically expresses the musical identity of the composer, who is deeply rooted in both jazz and maqam. Throughout the album, improvisations of various styles intertwine, playing on the intersections and embracing both musical vernaculars in a seamless, meaningful way.

The project was composed by Wanees Zarour, band-leader and award-winning composer, oud and buzuq player. The compositions are an expression of a musical journey that began in Ramallah, Palestine and has taken roots in Chicago for the past 20 years, and an expression of deep bi-musicality. The compositions emphasize the microtonal and phrasing language of Middle Eastern music with constant interplay of improvisational practices and rhythmic patterns between traditions. It sounds like jazz, and it sounds like Middle Eastern music.

The project was recorded by East Loop members, featuring Wanees Zarour on oud and buzuq, Bryan Pardo on saxophone and clarinet, Catie Hickey on trombone, Sam Mosching on guitar, Vinny Kabat on bass, Andrew Lawrence on piano, Tareq Rantisi on percussion, and Nick Kabat on drums. The project includes live studio session videos for each of the seven tracks.