Inner Rhyme

French-Lebanese composer and violinist Layale Chaker's debut album, Inner Rhyme, which took two years to compose between Beirut, Paris and London, is a fantastic exposition to what is sure to be a fruitful career. Her dualistic influences of Arabic maqam and contemporary jazz are wonderfully combined by her sometimes rasping, sometimes full-bodied, always emotionally charged violin-playing.

Inspiration for the album came from Lebanese poetry of the 40s and 50s. Chaker translated poetic metres used by the likes of Zaghloul el Damour, Moussa Zgheib and Khalil Roukoz into rhythmic cycles, providing a basis for composition. In ‘Mkhammas Suite, I’, percussionist Adam Maalouf creates a texture that evokes Sufi music with his daf (frame drum) in 5/4. Whereas in ‘Alight Here’, a piano (played by Phillip Golub) and violin melody laced with complex rhythmic stabs drive the piece. Pizzicato double bass in the higher registers from Nick Dunston weaves playfully around the melodies until the groove takes hold. ‘On the Trunk of an Olive Tree’ is where Chaker's jazz influences really shine, with Golub's piano glistening in the mix with thick chords and gentle, hazy solos from the rest of the band.

Chaker has achieved a considered, unique and profound composition and performance on her debut. I can't wait for more.