Lynn Adib and Marc Buronfosse – Nearness (On Arts Culture Europe; InOuïe Distribution, 2022)
Double LP vinyl release: October 2022
Lynn Adib and Marc Buronfosse formed their duo amidst the summer of 2020, sparked by an impromptu and last-minute performance on the island of Paros. Like a serendipitous window opening in the midst of the pandemic, it crystallized a shared desire to create music for an audience hungry for sounds and engaging vibrations. The concert, born out of spontaneity, became a poignant moment for both the duo and their captivated audience. The magic was immediate, convincing them to continue this musical journey and eventually embark on the creation of Nearness, a collaborative album.
To enhance the duo, Lynn and Marc extended invitations to other talented musicians, including Jasser Haj Youssef on the viola d’amore; Rishab Prasanna on the bansuri flute; and Mosin Kawa on tabla. They also collaborated with the distinguished male choir Antifoniko Melos, a prominent Byzantine choir in Greece.
The decision to record their duo during the winter of 2021, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, was a deliberate choice. From the outset, they envisioned naming the album Nearness, reflecting the prevailing climate of confinement and isolation. In a time when it felt like we were gradually drifting apart, Lynn and Marc dedicated themselves to the creation of this album. Regular meetings were held to shape the repertoire, involving song proposals, composition tests, and discussions about which musicians to include.
With no scheduled concerts or tours, their focus remained entirely on this creative endeavor. A significant part of the album was recorded with the superb Antifoniko Melos choir, fulfilling a dream for Lynn, who had learned to sing in the choir of the Orthodox Church in Damascus. They reached out to the choir in Athens, recording in a Byzantine church where the choir regularly performed.
Viola d’amore player Jasser Haj Youssef joined the project, contributing to four tracks with the choir and two trio improvisations featured on the album. In December 2021, the duo completed the recording of the remaining tracks in a studio in the Paris region, including a collaboration with two Indian master musicians: Rishab Prasanna on the bansuri flute and Mosin Kawa on tabla.
Lynn and Marc had specific objectives for this album in terms of sound and feel; to be close to one another, to touch the soul, and to enlarge the space. The delightful fusion of voice and bass, the remarkable dialogue between the Middle East and jazz, and the skillful interplay of melody, rhythm, and strings create a captivating sound. This album serves as an initiatory journey from the Middle East, particularly Syria, to the West through Greece. From personal compositions sung in Arabic, Syriac, and Greek with the Byzantine choir Antifoniko Melos, to covers of Joni Mitchell and Radiohead, and jazz standards sung in Arabic and English, the album concludes with a composition by Lynn Adib sung in French.
Lynn Adib – vocals and flute.
Lynn Adib, a Syrian singer from Damascus, weaves together Byzantine singing and jazz encountered during her flute studies at the National Conservatory of Damascus. The fusion of traditional Arabic music (Maqâm), religious songs of ancient Syria, and jazz forms the foundation of Lynn’s musical training. Upon relocating to Paris in 2009, Lynn further developed her skills at the American School of Modern Music and the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional (CRR) in Paris. There, she founded a quartet dedicated to original compositions mixing jazz, Arabic singing, contemporary music, and traditional Syrian sacred and profane melodies. Lynn Adib epitomizes a new generation of Middle Eastern musicians, embracing freedom through the sounds of jazz and transcending cultural and stylistic boundaries.
Currently, Lynn is actively engaged in various projects, such as Bedouin Burger, Yalla-Queen (2020), and a new trio collaboration with Raed El Khazen and Khaled Yassine (2022).
Marc Buronfosse, double bass and Bass VI
Marc Buronfosse started his classical guitar studies at the age of ten. Later, he evolved into a prominent figure in jazz, working alongside bass players like Cesarius Alvim, Charlie Haden, Reggie Workman, and Henri Texier. His extensive repertoire spans symphonic and chamber orchestras, collaborations with renowned jazz musicians, and the release of numerous albums, highlighting his versatility and mastery of the double bass and bass VI.
With accolades such as winning the first prize at the Defense competition with the Bojan Z quartet and teaching jazz bass at the Conservatoire National de Region of Paris, Marc’s effect on the French jazz scene is significant. Additionally, he serves as the artistic director of the Mediterranean Artists Masters Festival & Academy on Paros since 2011.
Guests:
Jasser Haj Youssef, viola d’amore.
Jasser Haj Youssef, a versatile musician proficient in viola d’amore and classical violin, has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, from Barbara Hendricks to Youssou N’Dour. His unique approach blends jazz, classical, and baroque influences, pushing the boundaries of the viola d’amore and offering modern oriental music liberties.
The Antifoniko Melos Choir
The Antifoniko Melos Choir, comprised of men dedicated to Byzantine music, embodies centuries-old singing traditions while also contributing to significant moments in human life through their musical participation in events staged by the Orthodox Church in Greece.
Rishab Prasanna, bansuri flute
Rishab Prasanna, hailing from a family of musicians in Benares, India, brings a rich tradition of bansuri flute playing. His musical journey combines traditional techniques with a unique “singing” style of flute playing, blending the Arabic maqâm and jazz influences.
Mosin Kawa, tabla
Mosin Kawa, rooted in a seven-generation tradition of tabla playing, enriches his sound by collaborating with jazz and contemporary music musicians. His performances, spanning India and Europe, showcase the versatility of the tabla in diverse musical contexts.
Ghazi Adib, narrator
Ghazi Adib, Lynn’s father and a war hero, adds a poignant layer to the narrative. A former pilot in the Syrian army, Ghazi’s experiences during the Yom Kippur War, imprisonment in Israel, and the admiration he garnered are captured in the poetic song “Adeeb,” a testament to his courage and resilience.
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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.