The oud - the 11-string fretless acoustic relative of the lute - is inextricably tied to Middle-Eastern tradition, more than 5,000 years of it. But in the hands of Dhafer Youssef, one of the most highly respected and influential virtuosi of the instrument in the world, the oud takes a giant leap into the future. With Birds Requiem, Youssef has created his most breathtakingly powerful work to date, a suite of 11 interconnected compositions. Recorded primarily in Sweden with additional recording in Istanbul, Birds Requiem features Youssef on oud and vocals heading a powerful band that includes special guest appearances from trumpeter Nils-Petter Molvaer and electric guitarist Eivind Aarset.