There are some fine life histories that are translated into music, and this is one of them. Don’t look for the lyrics in this fable that spans Belgium and Iraq, because it’s the notes that are better suited to describing the invisible and imaginary world that they seek to share. ‘From Bach to Baghdad’ is Nawaris’s second album; it’s a project put together around Hussein Rassim, an oud player who arrived in Belgium several years ago. He has surrounded himself with a varied group of musicians to present a musical crossroads, where the meeting point stands at the heart of the venture. Juliette Lacroix on cello, Manuel Hermia on sax and bansuri and Simon Leleux on oriental percussion make up, with Hussein Rassim, the kernel of a project open to the world. Other wandering spirits join them, as here, making this moment all the more unique.

Just let them tell you of the perfume of lilac, of summer rain, and imagine with them J. S. Bach, in the prime of his youth, seized by a sudden urge to travel, crossing the Balkans all the way to Baghdad! In this adventure, they invite you to rediscover your childhood visions and let the laughter of friendship guide your footsteps.

• Hussein Rassim: oud, vocals
• Juliette Lacroix: cello
• Manuel Hermia: soprano sax, bansuri
• Simon Leleux : percussion
• Laurie Batista: lead vocals
• Robbe Kieckens: percussion
• Guest: Amelle Metlini: violin