In what promises to be among the more interesting collaborations of 2011, Bjork is teaming up with Syrian superstar and growing hipster icon, Omar Souleyman.
Souleyman, whose music draws on his native style and Arabic rhythms as well as more western touches such as synthesisers and samplers, released his third album Jazeera Nights last year on US label Sublime Frequencies. Bjork, reportedly a long time admirer, has snared this most exotic talent for a project that promises to be as weird as it will be beautiful.
Pitchfork reports that the two will release a limited edition 12″, CD and download sometime later this year. It will apparently be “the first major western pop release to feature Syrian dabke and Iraqi choubi music.”
Souleyman is heading to Australia very soon, and if you have any sense whatsoever you will go along to one of his shows – the man is a demon on stage. Tour dates are:
Sat Mar 5, Perth International Arts Festival, Perth, WA
Sun Mar 6, Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Wed Mar 9, The Hi Fi, Brisbane, QLD
Fri Mar 11, WOMADelaide at Botanic Park, Adelaide, SA
Sat Mar 12, Annandale Hotel, Sydney, NSW
