A | 4:54 |
Beirut | 10:35 |
Mawjat | 6:51 |
Kazdoura | 10:04 |
Aswat | 8:06 |
Aleph | 4:21 |
Ma’Assalameh | 6:00 |
Musicians
Mazen Kerbaj: trumpet, saxophone & extensions
Sharif Sehnaoui: electric guitar
Raed Yassin: double bass
Recorded on August 25, 2002 at Raymond Khalifeh’s studio in Ballouneh, Lebanon.
All music improvised by Kerbaj, Sehnaoui, Yassin
No cuts, no overdubbing
Layout and artwork Mazen Kerbaj
Originally released in CD format by La CD-thèque
(OUT OF PRINT)
“ A ” is the first album by the Lebanese experimental music group “A” Trio. It merges the textural sounds of trumpeter Mazen Kebaj, guitarist Sharif Sehnaoui, and bassist Raed Yassin. With each member developing a cohesive improvisational style founded upon a peculiar blend of isolation and connectedness, the band relies on the experimental preparation of instruments to create their unique sound. Probably the first free improv album to be recorded and released in the Middle East, “ A ” represents the beginning of a movement that came to define the Lebanese experimental music scene for years to come.
Photo by Tony Elieh
“A” Trio is a Lebanese improvisation group founded by Mazen Kerbaj, Sharif Sehnaoui, and Raed Yassin. Formed in 2002 in Beirut during the second Irtijal Festival of Experimental Music, the three musicians went on to record their first free jazz album entitled “ A ”. Their music later moved away from its jazz roots towards a more textural approach, relying strongly on prepared and extended techniques for a heavy diversion of their respective instruments. After working together in trio and various other contexts for many years, Kerbaj, Sehnaoui and Yassin reached a characteristic sound that has been fondly described as “textural swing.” Creative yet simple, acoustic yet powerful, their live performances are playful and rely on a strong visual component.
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