Description: Nashaz is Brian Prunka on oud & compositions, Kenny Warren on trumpet, Nathan Herrera on alto sax, alto flute & bass clarinet, Apotolos Sideris on bass, Vin Scialla on riq and George Mel on frame drum, cajon, udu and assorted percussion. The oud is a pear-shaped string instrument which found in Turkish, Greek, Hebrew, Northern African and other Arab cultures. We don't often find oud players in New York, but there are a few who are members of the Downtown network (Brandon Terzic, Shanir Blumenkranz & Basya Schecter). I got this disc from Brian Prunka a couple of months ago when he played at DMG with Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi. I've been playing this disc quite a bit since then and am really enjoying this superb sextet. This music is often raga-like, starting slowly and mellow and organically building from there. "Hijaz Nashaz" begins with the soprano sax, trumpet and oud playiing an exotic, drifting theme together over a sly, repeating groove (frame drum & bass). I get the feeling that we are on a journey through the desert. First the oud and then the trumpet take slow, eerie and inspired solos, one note at a time, making each note count, each note is a part of a story. The theme itself sounds very familiar like a soundtrack for an Arabian tale or film. These pieces often start with just the oud, bass and one or both hand percussionists, providing a hypnotic groove which repeats over and over and has a way taking us along for the ride. There is a compelling call and response structure which flows between the two horns and the oud, back and forth, answering each other in a seamless motion. The oud, trumpet and reeds players are all gifted soloists and take consistently strong solos throughout. The muted trumpet solo on "Andalus" sounds quite a bit like Miles, smoky and dream-like. Even bassist, Apostolos Sideris, takes a couple of fine solos as well as providing strong interaction with both percussionists. Mr. Prunka keeps things interesting by switching the roles of the players and having the other musicians finish each others lines. Although the overall mood is often laid-back the tight interaction keeps the inner flame constantly simmering. Nashaz will be playing here at DMG on Sunday, October 6th at 6pm. Don't miss it if you're in town. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG