Hanin: Field Recordings in Syria 2008-2009

Compiled by Spanish musician and filmmaker Michel Gasco between 2008 and 2009, this collection of field recordings spans a period when Gasco was living in Syria, having become enamoured with the country’s diverse musical traditions. Released in 2021, as Syria enters its tenth year of war, this album has an inescapable air of poignancy – especially as many of the featured musicians have since become displaced by the conflict. This tragic association does nothing, however, to diminish the beauty and vibrancy of the vast array of artists and disciplines represented across these 13 tracks.

It opens with an improvised taqsim by qanun (zither) maestro Ghassan Ammouri, which segues into two pieces by Ornina Ensemble, including a recitation of a 14th-century Yemenese poem, sung by Ahmad Badour. This is followed by a plaintive taqsim by Moslem Rahal on ney (flute), and the stunning ‘Qasida Mink ad Daya’, performed by Safwan Bahlawan on oud and voice. Other improvised performances include Ahmad al Hassan (electric buzuk), and Tarek Salhiya (classical guitar), whose flamenco-inspired runs highlight the centuries long exchange between Syria and its surrounding cultures. Elsewhere, there are recordings of classical ensemble music (Homs Band for Revival of Traditional Music), Bedouin desert poetry (Abdul Latif Sattah, on rebab and voice), and village mijwiz pipe music (Al Qalaa Band).

A vital and important document of Syrian music, Hanin is a reminder of the fragility of culture in the face of conflict, and the human will to endure. All the profits from this release go to the featured musicians and performers.