Last week, Oriental jazz-influenced group Sukoon, fronted by sultry-voiced Ahmed Safi, had a show at Cairo Jazz Club to celebrate the culmination of the multi-year process leading up to their album, Khalas. Now, they are building anticipation for the album itself by releasing singles. 

"Ah Ya Nakheel" is the first track of the album to be released. Safi delivers his velvety croon over a lush background of drums, acoustic guitar, bass and saxophone. The lyrics evoke tranquil imagery, the singer sitting with his ney under the palm tree, which he serenades, saying "oh palm tree, your head is in the clouds, I am not like you". 
Anyone who has been following Sukoon over the years is sure to know this song by heart already, but there is something special about the recording finally coming out. Accompanying the song is a subtle and soothing graphic of a palm tree, it's arms swaying in the breeze over a backdrop of smoothly transitioning pastel colors. 

Can't wait to hear more of Khalas. 

Ahmed Safi - guitar & vocals
Ahmed Dahan - saxophone
Noor Noor - bass
Youssef El Kady - drums
Shahir Eskander - sound engineer

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