Cast
Dhafer Youssef — Vocalist, oud
Aaron Parks — Pianist
Matt Brewer — Double bassist
Ferenc Nemeth — Drummer
Program notes
Dhafer Youssef transforms the Théâtre Antique de Jazz in Vienna into a hub for contemporary jazz and Eastern traditions. Accompanied by Aaron Parks on piano, Matt Brewer on double bass, and Ferenc Nemeth on drums, he presents his unique world to the audience: Sufi vocals, the oud, improvisations, and modern rhythms.
Drawing in particular on the aesthetic of his 2016 album Diwan of Beauty and Odd, the singer and oud player creates a dialogue between meditative softness, groove, and more intense passages. Acclaimed by the audience, the concert was a highlight of the 2018 edition of the festival, successfully combining tradition and modernity to create a musical language that is accessible and deeply consistent with the spirit of openness that characterizes Jazz à Vienne.