What makes Blue Maqams by Anouar Brahem notable?

Blue Maqams received critical acclaim, showcasing Anouar Brahem's unique ability to bridge musical traditions. The album was noted for its intricate arrangements and received nominations for international awards, solidifying his influence within the world music genre and beyond. Released in 2017, Blue Maqams is Anouar Brahem's first album after a five-year hiatus since 2012's Souffle Continu. At this point in his career, Brahem was already established as a leading figure in blending Arabic music with jazz elements, known for his virtuosic oud playing and innovative compositions.

Who is Blue Maqams for?

Blue Maqams works well if you're into wave-like pacing for relaxation, expansive soundscapes for contemplation and gradual rise and fall dynamics.

How many songs are on Blue Maqams?

Blue Maqams has 9 tracks, running approximately 76 minutes.

Blue Maqams

Anouar Brahem · 2017

76 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A fusion of Arabic melodies and jazz improvisation, creating an intimate, contemplative soundscape rich in cultural textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blue Maqams — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, merging traditional Arabic scales with jazz harmonies while featuring mesmerizing solos that highlight Brahem's oud mastery.
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La Nuit — This track unfolds into a hauntingly beautiful dialogue between instruments, showcasing the interplay between Brahem's oud and the lush textures of the accompanying musicians.
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Persepolis’s Mirage — With its evocative title and sweeping melodies, this piece reflects on historical narratives through sound, offering listeners a journey that transcends time and geography.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album blends Arabic melodies with jazz improvisation, creating a cohesive and distinctive soundscape.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of modal scales, particularly in the opening track, which sets a reflective tone for the rest.
Each track typically showcases a lead instrument, often the oud, accompanied by subtle harmonies from piano and percussion.
The tempo varies across tracks, with several pieces maintaining a slow to moderate pace that encourages deep listening.
The final track introduces a more complex rhythmic structure, creating a sense of resolution after the contemplative journey.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing for relaxation
expansive soundscapes for contemplation
gradual rise and fall dynamics
intricate improvisation for deep focus
for late-night reflection

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2017, Blue Maqams is Anouar Brahem's first album after a five-year hiatus since 2012's Souffle Continu. At this point in his career, Brahem was already established as a leading figure in blending Arabic music with jazz elements, known for his virtuosic oud playing and innovative compositions.
Stylistic neighbors: Omar Souleyman· Rabih Abou-Khalil· Dhafer Youssef