The Lebanese / French trumpet player and composer Ibrahim Maalouf will be less than 40 years old when this album is released, but can already rely on a broad oeuvre. He now adds his first symphony for orchestra, jazz band and children's choir to soundtracks, vocal, traditional and more experimental jazz albums. The common thread in his work is a romantic and almost mythical view of the Levant or
… the Morgenland that he had to flee with his parents at a young age. Levantine Symphony No 1 echoes sentimental oriental melodies (loudly hummed by the children's choir) alongside blaring Arabic radio music and the complex jazz that we also know from an album like (2015). As a colorful journey through the Levant like this one may not even exist, but mainly takes place in the head of nostalgic Maalouf. Let it live on, because Levantine Symphony No 1 is another highlight of a special and authentic jazz musician. (MR)more
