A successful American adventure by Dhafer Youssef. The story of this Tunisian-European singer and ud player is special. As many Western vocalists had their first singing experiences in the church, the young Youssef in the Tunisian village where he grew up sang the people to the mosque for prayer. His singing is enticing and can go almost unearthly high, without losing power or feeling. Since coming
… to Europe in 1990, Youssef has focused on modern jazz. Diwan was recorded in New York with what can easily be called a super band. Musicians like pianist Aaron Parks ( ) and drummer feel the mystical singing and the Oriental ud sounds of Youssef well and respond with transparent playing. As if the whole band is playing music with their eyes closed, purely by ear. At the same time pure jazz is played, while Youssef sometimes still seems to want to sing the whole village together. It's special how this fuses together organically. (MR)more
