In Tabriz , the young trumpet player embarks on a journey back to the origins of his first name: “Shems-Eddine”. According to the family legend, the meaningful name was revealed to his father in a dream in which “Shams ad Dîn Tabrizi” made a soulful apparition. The Persian philosopher and poet is renowned for his spiritual connection with the great Sufi master Djalal Dîn Rümi. The two wise men are said to have met in Konya where they decided never to part again. Rümi went on to refer to Shams in poems that would go on to enlighten the Sufi Muslim culture for centuries.

In this new album, the trumpeter explores the widespread ramifications of his father’s dream as well as the depth of the relationship between Shams and Rümi. The music will guide you through tableaux and landscapes featuring the market-place of Konya or the city of Tabriz, but will also take you on a voyage within the mysteries of the bond linking a master and his celestial spirit.

Collaborative approach is at the core of the working process of the Shems Bendali Quintet and as such, Arthur Donnot’s creativity enhances the diverse colors of the album with three new compositions exploring the outcomes of family ties through time.