Recorded primarily in Sweden – hence the line-up of names familiar to Scandinavian jazz lovers – this beautiful, delicate offering from Dhafer Yousseff and his longtime trio is the Tunisian oud master's first for Sony's resuscitated OKeh imprint. Part jazz with world influences, part world sprinkled with jazz, it's arguably as elegant an elegy to our feathered friends as anything by Messiaen or Handel. Nesting, if you like, among the album's 10 original tracks are four ‘Birds Requiem’ pieces that provide the album's heart and lend it a sort of otherworldy spirituality; little wonder, given that the ever innovative Youssef had considered titling this record, Incantations. From the opener, ‘Birds Canticum ‘Birds Requiem’ Suite’, to the colourful, closing ‘Whirling Birds Ceremony ‘Birds Requiem’ Suite’, Youssef and his ensemble explore timbres, textures and traditions with a consideration for history, space and each other. Stand out track is ‘Khira ‘Indicium Divinum’ Elegy for My Mother’, a freeform interplay between Youssef's voice, Randalu's piano and Molvaer's trumpet that is positively transcendental.