SHAMS is an allegory for this fascinating region of the world: Balad al Sham “Land of the Sun” or Levant. I have freely drawn inspiration from this rich and sun-drenched culture to try and create music that is as luminous as possible, blending jazz, modes, and Arabic rhythms without constraints. Melody takes center stage, traversing odd meters and taking flight during the improvisations of each musician with whom I have immense pleasure playing. Amin.