When questioned about his inspiration, Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem refers to "the tree which, while rising above the ground...continues to develop its roots and dig deeper." The metaphor perfectly suits his beautifully expressive music, with its elegant combination of classical melodies and symmetrical patterns and an innovative vision that embraces the Mediterranean, Africa and the Far East as well as European jazz. Born in 1957 in Halfaouine, Mr. Brahem began studying oud (Middle Eastern lute) at age 10, absorbing the rich traditional heritage of classical Tunisian music; at 15 he was credited by a local music critic with "returning to non-vocal music in Tunisia its claim to nobility." He spent the following years in Europe, the U.S., and Tunis, collaborating with a huge variety of musicians, composing many scores for films and theatrical plays, and releasing a number of acclaimed albums, most recently Astrakhan Cafe, on the German ECM label. Renowned for the mellow, persuasive poetry of his touch, this master's performances are rooted in the Arab model of "takht," irresistably defined by Mr. Brahem as "a small ensemble of musicians capable of improvising to the point of inebriating themselves and the public alike."