Asked by the French national film library to choose and then write the music for a film from among the silent movies in the Albatros catalogue, Ibrahim Maalouf chose, from the selection proposed, René Clair's film The Prey of the Wind. The project allowed Maalouf to fulfil two wishes - first to compose for a film, and second to compose a piece that could be very much inspired by Miles Davis' music in Louis Malle's 'Lift to the Scaffold' but with the quarter-tone trumpet. 'Paris-based Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf learned a Middle Eastern quarter-tone technique from his brass-playing father, started out winning classical competitions, and then taught himself jazz. This New York quintet session, including US star sidemen Mark Turner (sax) and Clarence Penn (drums), seems certain to broaden his audience. Maalouf has dedicated this album to Miles Davis, and it often uncannily echoes Sketches of Spain, but transformed in pitch by an Arabic influence. It's a session of poise, variety and sublime skill, moving from folk themes with Celtic lilts to hook-based funky pieces and evocative ballads. Some passages build like Brad Mehldau pieces, hinting at melodies and grooves. Sensuality has a stealthily playful theme and a steady Cuban dance pulse, but keeps throwing stylistic surprises. A startling new voice in contemporary jazz has arrived.' **** GUARDIAN
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