We’re delighted to announce the release of a live album entitled Africa Express Presents… The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians & Guests, which is out now on Transgressive Records!  Click here to stream and download the album exclusively on Google Play Music.

                                             ★★★★ – The Independent       7/10 Uncut Magazine        ★★★★ – MOJO

We recorded the album live in June when The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians came together for the first time since the conflict in their country flared up five years ago. They were joined by artists from Britain, Syria, Algeria, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Turkey, Tunisia and the United States including Bassekou Kouyaté, Bu Kolthoum, Damon Albarn, Eslam Jawaad, Faia Younan, Julia Holter, Malikah, Mounir Troudi, Noura Mint Seymali, Paul Weller, Rachid Taha and Seckou Keita.

Raghad Haddad, orchestra member (viola) from Damascus said: “The album is very important to us. It was a very unique project, artists from all over the world performing with the most brilliant musicians from Syria. It was an honour for me. And this new album will give people another opportunity to get to know The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians for what we are – passionate, professional musicians.”

The joyous and uplifting album showcases Syrian and Arabic music, alongside unique interpretations of some well-known Western songs. It features tracks recorded live at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall –  a show described in a 5 star review by the Evening Standard as “an epic paean to their lost homeland”- as well as songs from the storming opening slot on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage and the Holland Festival in Amsterdam, Istanbul Jazz Festival and Roskilde Festival in Denmark.

This album was made possible with the support of Google Play Music.

Co commissioned by 14-18 Now & Holland Festival

Full track listing:

# Track Title – Artist

Track listing:

  1. Intro – The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
  2. 3azely – The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
  3. Wild Wood – Paul Weller & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
  4. Yah Mahla El Fus’ha – Faia Younan & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
  5. Out of Time – Damon Albarn & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
  6. Rakeb 3al Hamra – Mounir Troudi & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
  7. Feel You – Julia Holter & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
  8. Al Ajaleh – The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians feat. Bassekou Kouyaté & Seckou Keita
  9. Blackbird – The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians feat. Damon Albarn & Paul Weller
  10. Old Damascus – The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
  11. Richa – Noura Mint Seymali & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
  12. White Flag – Damon Albarn & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians feat. Eslam Jawaad, Malikah, Ceza & Bu Kolthoum
  13. Ya Rayeh – Rachid Taha & The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians
  14. Oghneyat Men Baladi – The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians