Africa Express Presents… The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians & Guests

The brief summer tour of European festivals that reunited an orchestra of Syrian musicians scattered by civil war and put them on stage with various rock and world music stars was a typical Damon Albarn project – expansive, generous and with a lack of ego, which probably makes him unique among pop musicians. Recorded at different venues, including Glastonbury and Roskilde festivals, this is a must-have memento for anyone who caught the show. But it also contains thrilling moments that transcend the need to have been there. The 14 tracks are packed with uplifting moments.

Malian ngoni virtuoso Bassekou Kouyaté, kora player Seckou Keita and Mauritanian singer Noura Mint Seymali fit seamlessly into the Arabic mix, and Albarn himself contributes a fine version of ‘Out of Time’ from Blur's 2003 album Think Tank, accompanied by swirling Arabic strings, which remind us that the album was recorded in Morocco. Even a cloying version of The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’, which Albarn sings with Paul Weller, is saved by the genuinely affecting contribution of a massed Syrian choir. And actually that is exactly how Albarn planned it. The famous guests lend a helping hand – but it's the Syrian orchestra and choir who are the stars here.