Maya Youssef – Finding Home (Seven Gates, 2022)
Syrian qanun (Arabic zither) master Maya Youssef has released her second album titled “Finding Home“. The new recording’s title makes reference to a journey through memories and towards the essence of home. Due to the ongoing war in her homeland, Maya was forced to leave Syria and currently lives in the UK. From her new home, she composes finely-crafted and beautiful music rooted in Arabic music traditions.
Although home is normally a place of peace and comfort, Maya was forced to find a new home. She expressed her feelings of loss and grief for loved ones and places in her previous album, “Syrian Dreams” in 2018. On the other hand, on “Finding Home“, Maya shows a sense of relief and hope.
Indeed, on “Finding Home”, Maya presents a set of exquisite solo performances, exhibiting admirable virtuosity as well as captivating melodic accessibility. Some pieces highlight the qanun, accompanied by mesmerizing frame drums. Other compositions feature lovely strings and other instruments that add a new dimension to her music.
The first single of the album is the gorgeous ‘Samai of Trees’, composed in 2018. Samai is an ancient form of Arabic music that is based on a meditative 10 rhythm. This track with qanun, cello and frame drums is a tribute to the ancient guardians of the earth (trees) who provide so much healing and comfort in these challenging times.
The second single of the album is an irresistible Arabic funk piece titled ‘Jasmin Bayati – To An Earth Angel’, the most lively track on “Finding Home”, given in gratitude to all the earth angels who help us selflessly without asking anything from us in return, giving generously and unconditionally. The comfort in those deeds represents a found home for Maya. Bayati is the name of the Arabic mode used throughout this piece.
‘Walk With Me’ is one of the essential tracks on the album, written during the COVID-19 lockdown in April 2020 and commissioned by BBC Radio 3. At the time, there was a lot of fear and pain throughout the world, but Maya used music as a tool to hold the image of all of us, all humanity walking together towards a better, more compassionate, future for everyone and the earth.
Maya Youssef collaborated with Opera North, who provided a professional quartet from their orchestra and commissioned the musical piece ‘Silver Lining’. This composition is part of the ‘Walking home’ project, involving five artists writing music for people to walk to in lockdown. Some artists chose times of the day, others chose a place, Maya chose walking in nature. This is a new arrangement for “Finding Home” that has developed the piece further. It is an ensemble piece, with qanun marvelously interacting with piano and bass.
The British Museum commissioned Maya to write the alluring ‘Soul Fever’ (which seems to have flamenco influences) and ‘An Invitation to Daydream’.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.