Released to celebrate Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem's 60th birthday, Blue Maqams is a profound meeting of Arabic modal traditions and modern jazz improvisation. Recorded in May 2017 at New York's Avatar Studios and produced by Manfred Eicher, this ECM release unites Brahem with three legendary jazz innovators: bassist Dave Holland, drummer Jack DeJohnette, and pianist Django Bates. The album's title references the Arabic 'maqam' system, subtly reimagined through the expressive lens of jazz—rendered 'blue' by the ensemble's deep improvisational synergy.

This marks a reunion for Brahem and Dave Holland, who last collaborated two decades earlier on the acclaimed Thimar album. While Brahem and DeJohnette meet here for the first time, DeJohnette and Holland share a storied history dating back to groundbreaking work with Miles Davis. British pianist Django Bates brings a fresh yet masterful approach to Brahem's intricate compositions, inspiring some of the oudist's most dynamic and outward playing to date.

• Artist: Anouar Brahem
• Genre: Jazz, World Music
• Producer: Manfred Eicher
• Featuring: Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Django Bates

• Anouar Brahem – oud
• Dave Holland – double bass
• Jack DeJohnette – drums
• Django Bates – piano

• Label: ECM
• Audio: Stereo

• Media: Audio CD
• Packaging: Standard case
• Extras: Digital download included