Most recent articles by Stefan Franzen
-
"Female Voice of Afghanistan" streaming festivalAfghan women raise their voices against trauma
The streaming festival "Female Voice of Afghanistan" by the Zeitgenössische Oper Berlin gives Afghan female musicians a global platform – at a time when their situation has worsened dramatically. Stefan Franzen reports for Qantara.de
-
Album review: Misagh Joolaee's "Unknown Nearness"Silent yearnings
Produced during the coronavirus pandemic, Misagh Joolaee's latest album returns to the most concentrated expression of the kamancheh – solo performance. Plumbing spiritual depths whilst exploring new virtuoso techniques, "Unknown Nearness" traces an arc between Persian tradition and enigmatic echoes of Western music. By Stefan Franzen
-
On the death of Matthias Wagner, founder of the Oriental Summer AcademyMecca of Arab music in south-western Germany
Musicians from Morocco to Iraq have been crossing paths at the Oriental Summer Academy in south-western Germany for ten years. Matthias Wagner, who founded and directed the academy, recently passed away after a brief serious illness at the age of 68. An obituary by Stefan Franzen
-
Groupe RTDEnergy and rhythm from Djibouti to the world
The small East African nation of Djibouti has so far evaded musical discovery by the West. Now, however, the country's official national band, Groupe RTD, is picking up international accolades with the music it plays when it's off-duty. Stefan Franzen spoke to the group's producer Janto Djassi
-
Album review: Bab L'Bluz's "Nayda"Rocking the gateway to the desert
The Franco-Moroccan band Bab L'Bluz has named their debut CD "Nayda!" after the musical youth movement. Stefan Franzen introduces the unique music combo
-
"Masaa"A fence turns to water
On their fourth CD "Irade" (willpower), Masaa has left its piano sound behind, yet continues with its new guitarist to pursue a path that bridges jazz improvisation and Arabic sounds. By Stefan Franzen
-
British-Bahraini trumpeter Yazz AhmedDiving for pearls
Yazz Ahmed is one of the most exciting personalities on the lively London jazz scene. Her complex musical suites combine the traditions of her Bahraini roots and jazz improvisation. On her new album, she honours outstanding women, including those from the Muslim culture. By Stefan Franzen
-
Rabih Abou-Khalilʹs "The Flood and the Fate of the Fish"Crisp chamber music
After a seven year break, Rabih Abou-Khalil, a pioneer in Oriental jazz, has released a new album entitled "The Flood and the Fate of the Fish". Stefan Franzen met the musician on the Cote d'Azur
-
Iranian singers Mahsa & Marjan Vahdat and the American Kronos QuartetBeyond the dividing lines
A meditative case for the boundlessness of music and against political division: “Placeless”, a joint album by the Iranian sisters Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat and the Kronos Quartet. By Stefan Franzen
-
Album review: Ayca Miracʹ "Lazjazz"The magic of the Laz
Drawing on her Laz and Turkish heritage, the German-born singer Ayca Mirac has just released her first album – "Lazjazz" – a fascinating blend of ancient melodies, spellbinding dance rhythms and intimate jazz. Review by Stefan Franzen
-
Egyptian singer Dina El WedidiHypnotic rail rhythms
Singer Dina El Wedidi was one of the most prominent Egyptian singers among the protestors in Tahrir Square. She has just released her latest album, "Manam / Slumber", an experimental venture featuring a 30-minute suite that captures the sounds of Egypt’s trains and railway stations. By Stefan Franzen
-
Syrian oud player Bahur GhaziHoping for a phoenix
Based in Switzerland, Syrian musician Bahur Ghazi has created an exciting synthesis of traditional Arabic music and jazz improvisation. Together with his band, Palmyra, he tells of his longing for peace in his homeland. By Stefan Franzen