Anfass

Hichem Badrani

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Artists

Hichem Badrani Chant, ney
Fawzi Chekili Guitar, oud, percussion
Steve Houben Flute, saxophone
Alain Pierre Guitar

About

Once the first contacts established, Alain Pierre and Fawzi Chekili realised the impact of their respective capabilities. Fawzi Chekili was interested in the harmonic work of Alain Pierre, who in turn was captivated by the melodic and rhythmic characteristics of Arabic music. Their two acoustic guitars almost naturally turned to two noted air-smiths: the Belgian sax and flute player Steve Houben and the Tunisian ney-player Hichem Badrani.

And so - probably for the first time in the world - a flute and a ney (reed flute) would meet. - Both the joint and solo compositions of Pierre and Chekili integrate the melodic and rhythmic particularities of Tunisian music with European harmonics. The result is music that is unique, both in its genre and interpretation.In Arabic, “Anfass” means “breath”. In music, this directly implies wind instruments and – in this case – the flute and ney. Taken in a wider context, it also means a sigh, emotion… and the breath becomes one of inspiration, spirit. Soul, and a breath of life. Breaths blow through us and bring us together.

They connect our respective cultures and languages with the same emotion and energy. Breaths that guide us and become a breeze of musical aromas. Breaths that are compositions and improvisations and carry the very essence of our personalities and cultures. Breaths in which every movement, every gasp becomes a melody within a harmony. Harmony in the meeting and dialogue between men and their culture. Harmony in the soul. Harmony in life. “Anfass” is our desire to evoke and constantly share this spirit through our compositions and improvisations.