Aynur – Rabe (Dreyer- Gaido, 2024)
Aynur, the internationally renowned Kurdish singer, composer and instrumentalist, unveiled her 8th studio album, Rabe, on March 1st, 2024. Rabe represents a triumphant culmination of over two decades of artistic evolution. Recorded with the collaboration of nearly 20 musicians in Germany and Spain, the album features a diverse sound palette, elegantly, proficiently and beautifully mixing traditional Kurdish music, dance music, meditative interludes, and jazzy improvisations. Notable guest appearances include Michael League of Snarky Puppy on electric guitar and Wu Man, a celebrated Chinese pipa virtuosa.
Rabe highlights Aynur’s versatility as a songwriter as well. Drawing inspiration from Kurdish, Alevi, and Yazidi cultural icons, the album explores themes of love, spirituality, and freedom. With this release, Aynur reaffirms her position as a preeminent voice in Kurdish music, embodying the essence of 21st-century Kurdish artistry.
As a prominent figure in Kurdish culture, Aynur is known for mixing traditional elements of her homeland with Western genres like classical, jazz, and pop, offering a unique cultural fusion to global audiences. Aynur’s musical journey began in Istanbul, where she immersed herself in Kurdish bardic songs and poetry while mastering the bağlama lute.
Throughout her career, Aynur has set new standards in Kurdish and Turkish music by intertwining traditional instruments with contemporary arrangements. Recognized for her emotive voice, she sings in both Kurdish dialects and Turkish. Aynur’s contributions have garnered international acclaim, including invitations to collaborate with renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble and accolades such as the “Master of Mediterranean Music Award” from the Berklee Mediterranean Music Institute and the prestigious “Artist Award” at WOMEX.
Musicians: Aynur on vocals, tembur and arrangements; Franz Von Chossy on string arrangements, piano & keyboards; Patrick Goraguer on drums; Chris Jennings on double bass; Benson Itoe on electric bass; Michael League on electric guitars; Christian Torres Gonzales and Carlos Montfort Lazcano on violins; Ursula Amargos Rubio on viola; Marçal Mialet Ayats on cello; Wu Man on pipa; Ali Shaker on buzuq & sazbush; Sinan Cem Eroglu on kaval, kopuz, fretless guitar; Fethi Ak on percussion; Ömer Aslan on percussion; Caner Malkoç on clarinet; Hayden Chisholm on saxophone; Sean Payne on alto & tenor saxophones; Tom Walsh on trumpet; and Nichol Thomson on trombone & bass trombone.
Buy Rabe.
Author: Sonia Keller
