Illusions (ابراهيم معلوف‎)…

Around the world, the awards season is underway–in music and film. On Friday, at the 29th annual Victoires de la Musique ceremony (France’s premier music award ceremony), Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf won Best World Music Album for his stellar new album “Illusions.” In concert, the jazz-funk thrust of his performances always includes a contemplative interlude, which he calls “a collective universal prayer.” Here are two of my favorite songs from his impressive body of work: “Beirut” and “Nomade Slang.”