Abu Kenda

Palestinian-American violinist Akram Abdulfattah returns with a first release since his 2022 EP From Here. Abu Kenda (Kenda's Father) is a great blend and fusion of different styles, including jazz, rock’n’roll, and Palestinian and Turkish folk music. The album, we are told, ‘explores the concept of birth in both its literal and figurative senses… amidst the backdrop of war's devastation and loss.’ Fusion music can often get muddled, struggling to form an identity amongst different styles, but that's certainly not the case with Abu Kenda. These nine instrumental tracks display a high level of technical proficiency, from Abdulfattah on violin as well as the many guest musicians. Opening track ‘Golden Pyramids’ begins with a synthesiser that's soon followed by crashing drums and Abdulfattah's violin. ‘Ya Hbaieb’ has a brooding start that sparks into epic life, and would surely be great to see performed live. ‘Kenda’ is more melodic, with the addition of kora, while the rest of the album has a stronger jazz feel, becoming discordant at its heaviest moments.