This is pure unaffected acoustic music from Syrian artist Waed Bouhassoun, who with little more than her oud and gorgeous voice creates an incredible, still feeling of beauty. There are rumours abounding on the internet that she is currently collaborating with Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz project, however this is much more stripped back, austere and tranquil. Typically she weaves this majestic web with her oud/lute, twisting and turning around notes, creating these subtle runs, making time stand on its head with her complex compositions before accompanying herself on vocals. Her voice is remarkable, powerful, soaring above her sparse accompaniment, at times taking on a melodic role. Her songs stem from the Sufi poetry of Ibn Zaydoun, Jalal-Eddine, Rumi, Wallada, Tahar Abou Facha and Mahmoud Bayram al Tounissi, the famous lyricists to Oum Kalthoum and in her mouth the texts become the voice of pure intimacy.
She is part of the new generation of Arabic singers however she draws heavily upon traditions that date back as far as the 13th century. Her approach however is singular, garnering her much respect across the Arab world, regularly playing live and collaborating with master musicians. Yet here on A Voice for Love it’s clear that she’s at her best accompanying herself, creating exotic, evocative, unforgettable music.
Bob Baker Fish
