For those not in the know, Bright Colors on a Dark Canvas is a suite for Arabic cello and string orchestra, percussion, jazz piano and Arabic instruments, composed by Naseem Alatrash.

It features the Arabic style of cello playing, mixed with contemporary jazz harmonies and contemporary western classical music. The Suite is based on stories of refugees.

The Grammy-nominated cellist, composer and educator whose artistry bridges Arabic musical heritage with contemporary classical and jazz traditions, has long been praised by the Chicago Tribune for his particularly lustrous tone, and thus Alatrash his celebrated for a sound that transcends genre and geography.

Framed by improvised interludes, Bright Colors on a Dark Canvas features Chase Morrin (piano) and George Lernis (percussion) alongside Alatrash’s expressive cello. The result is a stirring, cross-cultural suite that is a testament to music’s power to heal, remember and inspire.

1. Prelude [3:37]
2. Riwaya (Narrative) [9:16]
3. Ramad (Ashes) [3:50]
4. Lifta [4:15]
5. Echoing in the Hollow [2:19]
6. Risala (Message) - Part I [4:49]
7. Risala (Message) - Part II [3:57]

With all his performances continually gracing the prestigious listeners that take the time to acquaint themselves with Alatrash and his original works and collaborations, he opens this new set on the highly emotive Prelude and the veritably cinematic, near ten minute Riwaya (Narrative), and they are in turn backed by the upfront and startingly driven Ramad (Ashes), the low slung balladry ambiance of both Lifta and Echoing in the Hollow, the piece rounding out on the impressive two-part Risala (Message): the rhythmically engaging Part I and then comes the more soulfully melodious Part II.

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