A Lebanese-born master of the Arabic lute called the oud, Marccel Khalife has created an international reputation for preserving the soul of the instrument while expanding its repertoire.

Khalife is known for putting the poems of Palestinian Mahmoud Darwish to music, but on his latest he pays an instrument tribute to his kindred spirit. The three long pieces are improvisational songs with Khalife playing mostly the lower register of the oud against a double bass and percussion.

The trio play quiet, intimate music; simmeringly emotional with finesse and stately elegance. The album is not traditional Arabic music, but it does open it to a wider audience.

By Marty Lipp