Djawla

Anouar Kaddour Cherif is a new face on the scene, at least around European parts. Three years ago, at the age of 24, he left his Algerian home town of Sétif to settle in Switzerland. This album is recorded in Lausanne. Cherif plays the Algerian mandole, partnered by a band that features bass clarinet, acoustic bass and drums. His instrument is more mandocello-sized than mandolin.

Cherif’s mandole and the bass clarinet of Clément Meunier have equal prominence, with the bass and drums buoyantly pushing, as some tunes switch from brisk to balladic, or vice versa. Even within four minutes, Cherif’s tunes can possess the character of a mini-suite, working through changes of pace or dispersing into a reflective meditation. Cherif provides vocals on two tracks. His compositions usually having a narrative background, even when he’s not actually singing. Cherif’s an emotive singer, and could benefit from introducing a few more vocal selections on his next album. The band is not as jazzed-up as advertised, his music sounding closer to the Algerian tradition, though played in a fashion that’s certainly compatible with jazz festivals and venues. Cherif will also fit into the folkish scene, so he’s definitely managing a wide appeal, without compromising his innate Arabic aura.