Unknown Nearness

Misagh Joolaee is an Iranian kamancheh (spike fiddle) player based in Berlin. His solo album Ferne (2019) was surely the most impressive kamancheh debut since that of Kayhan Kalhor 20 years earlier. On that album he produced every sound he could with the instrument without any electronic tricks – just excellent percussion from Sebastian Flaig.

Unknown Nearness opens with ‘Origins’, one of the most extreme pieces combining ethereal harmonics with low trills, then bowing across the four strings combined with chime-like pizzicatos. Joolaee says it’s based on a folk melody from northern Iran, although that’s difficult to make out. Yet it’s a bold statement of his technique and indicates the riches to come. ‘Before Dawn’, which follows, is easy-going and more melodic with playful pizzicatos at the opening and a lyrical charm. ‘Colours of Oblivion’ is also like a jewel with sparking pizzicato and folk-like phrases. This album of 12 tracks is entirely solo, no percussion, but Joolaee sings vocals on one track, ‘Deceived Heart’. It’s a compelling listen with a rich variety of mood and texture and he has other intriguing projects with Turkish saz music, flamenco and piano. Misagh Joolaee is clearly a name to watch – and listen out for.