Ibrahim Maalouf – Trumpets of Michel-Ange Vol. 2 ( Mister I.B.E., 2026)
On Trumpets of Michel-Ange Vol. 2, the French-Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf invites musicians representing various influential world traditions to his joyful Lebanese trumpet party. He delivers one of his most captivating and rewarding statements to date, a fun-loving celebration of cultural dialogue, collective artistry, and the unique possibilities of the quarter-tone trumpet.
Where the first volume introduced the concept, this sequel reveals its full potential. Leading the way, the Trumpets of Michel-Ange ensemble, a group of musicians brought together through Maalouf’s educational initiative devoted to the quarter-tone trumpet, which was developed by his father. Here, the project matures into something spectacular, dazzling and beautifully crafted.
The album travels far beyond the Lebanese geographical borders. You’ll find echoes of spirited New Orleans brass traditions, irresistible Cuban rhythms, evocative Indian influences, hot-blooded Flamenco from Spain, animated gospel, and Brazilian warmth. Maalouf and his collaborators weave these elements masterfully into a cohesive set crafted with curiosity, openness, and mutual respect.
An impressive roster of guests enriches the Trumpets of Michel-Ange Vol. 2. The list includes Jon Batiste (USA), Trombone Shorty (USA), Pedrito Martinez (Cuba), Gonzalo Rubalcaba (Cuba), Nai Barghouti (Palestine-Netherlands), Las Migas (Spain), Hamilton de Holanda (Brazil), MonoNeon (USA), Weedie Braimah (Ghana-USA), Rasika Shekar (India-USA), and Richard Galliano (France).
Maalouf remains the guiding force throughout the album, although he frequently shifts attention toward the ensemble itself giving rise to a remarkable, organic conversation among the musicians.
The quarter-tone trumpet remains a source of fascination. Its expressive range allows melodies to move with remarkable nuance, connecting Middle Eastern musical traditions to jazz, western classical music, and contemporary forms in ways that feel natural. Maalouf has championed this instrument for decades, but Trumpets of Michel-Ange Vol. 2 may be the clearest demonstration yet of its possibilities in a collective setting.
Musicians:
Trumpets of Michel-Ange (T.O.M.A): Nizar Ali, Yanis Belaïd, Yvan Djaouti, Diwan Fortecoëf, Manel Girard, Ibrahim Maalouf.
Acoustic guitar: Mohamed Derouich.
Electric guitar: François Delporte
Drums & percussion: Julien Tekeyan
Saxophone: Mihai Pîrvan
Oud on “Zaatar & Zeit” and “Oui, Je Le Veux”: Yanis Belaïd
Additional Percussion on “Layla’s Wedding,” “Zaatar & Zeit,” and “Oui, Je Le Veux”: Wadie Naim
Buzuq on “Layla’s Wedding”: Issa Hassan
Dhol on “Gulham”: Sunny Jain
Handclaps: Nizar Ali, Yanis Belaïd, Sarah Bigot, Elise Caetano, Roxane Charbonnier, François Delporte, Yvan Djaouti, Safaa El Moutaouakkil, Diwan Fortecoëf, Antoine Gauthier, Manel Girard, Rita Haykal, Ibrahim Maalouf, Hafsatou Saindou, Rémi Stengel, Julien Tekeyan.
Gospel Choir on “Bring The Light”: Anthony Evans (for Sherman James Productions), Kaleb Carson, Jaden Gray, Ravaughn Brown, Peaches West, Jazzy Patton, Ashly Williams, Cherise Coaches.
Buy Trumpets of Michel-Ange Vol.2.
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.