Siwan

Album Description

"Nahnou Houm" is the captivating second album from Jon Balke and his international ensemble Siwan, released on ECM Records in November 2017. This 47-minute journey is a testament to Balke's prowess as a Norwegian keyboardist, composer, and arranger, blending diverse musical traditions into a cohesive and enchanting whole.

The album features the powerful vocals of Mona Boutchebak, a talented singer from Algeria, who brings a unique perspective to the ensemble's sound. The tracklist includes eleven captivating pieces, each offering a unique blend of influences from Sufi mysticism, baroque music, and the Al-Andalus musical tradition. Standout tracks like "Duda," "Desmayar Se," and "ZemZemeh" showcase the group's ability to seamlessly weave together different cultural elements, creating a rich and immersive listening experience.

Siwan's debut album, released in 2009, garnered high acclaim and won prestigious awards, including the Jahrespreis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik. With "Nahnou Houm," Jon Balke and Siwan continue to push the boundaries of genre-blurring music, delivering an album that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you're a fan of jazz, world music, or simply appreciate beautifully crafted compositions, "Nahnou Houm" is sure to captivate and inspire.

3 nov 2017

℗ 2017 ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Jon Balke

Jon Balke is a distinguished Norwegian jazz pianist renowned for his innovative and immersive musical explorations. Leading the group Siwan, Balke's work is marked by a relentless pursuit of sonic connections and a unique compositional voice. Known for his enduring collaborations with the Magnetic North Orchestra and Batagraf, as well as his earlier work with Masquelero, Balke's discography is a testament to his versatility and depth. His solo piano albums, such as 'Warp' and 'Discourses', showcase his precision and economy as a composer, while his decade-long West African band E'Olen highlights his global musical influences. Balke's latest release, 'Skrifum', continues his line of inquiry into new sonic dimensions, offering a strikingly original experience that transcends traditional jazz boundaries.