Eight years after Blue Maqams, Anouar Brahem returns with a poignant project, titled after a line of verse by poet Mahmoud Darwish, which asks Where should the birds fly, after the last sky? Graceful chamber pieces for oud, cello, piano and bass subtly address the metaphysical question and its broad resonances in a troubled time. While drawing upon the traditional modes of Arab music, Brahem has consistently sought to engage with the wider world, too, and found inspiration in many sources from different cultures. Bassist Dave Holland and pianist Django Bates are again part of the Tunisian oud masters international quartet, joined now by cellist Anja Lechner. Brahems rapport with Holland first established on the Thimar album of 1998 is meanwhile legendary. Daves playing gives me wings, Anouar has said, an observation that materializes repeatedly across the record. Django Bates piano, an important supportive force throughout, contributes swirling solos. The album marks the first time that Anouar has included a cellist in his group music. Anja Lechner, a leading voice in the recording, has long been conversant with Brahems compositions and included them in her own recitals. The cello is given the first and last statements here. After the Last Sky was recorded at Luganos Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in May 2024, and produced by Manfred Eicher. The album is issued as the Brahem quartet embarks on a European tour with concerts in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium.