Aram of 2 Rivers: Live in Syria
Bass player Jonas Hellborg is joined by Syrian artists for an exploration of both traditional and contemporary musical ideas. This virtuoso musician's improvisational approach to music is well anchored by percussion,ney(flute), and violin, all equally well played. The interplay is thoughtful and exciting, and the folk references are respected, but the musicians are not slavish. Although the group is not an established ensemble, the members all seem so in tune with each other that it's never evident that they are not a regular touring outfit. Add to that a technically excellent recording effort, with a wonderful room sound and high marks for engineering, and you have an experience that shows what both jazz and world music are supposed to be about: communication.--Louis Gibson