NAWA
This album has been ten years in the making.
My last personal release, Son of Tigris, was a five-movement suite that brought together the profound and expansive worlds of traditional Iraqi music and jazz. Since then, I’ve grown deeply as both an artist and a person. I became a father. I reconnected with my roots and traditions on a deeper level. I collaborated with incredible musicians from around the world—each encounter shaping the way I hear, create, and feel music.
Nawa is rooted in the Maqam traditions of Arabic music and reflects the past decade of personal and professional transformation. At the same time, it looks forward—toward what I believe is the future of Arabic music: one that retains its melodic depth and rich improvisational spirit, while exploring new ways in which Maqam, rhythm, and expression intertwine.f
The album consists of seven tracks, each with its own story. I was honored to be joined by incredible musicians, colleagues, and friends who have been part of my journey for over a decade. This album was also made possible by the support of a beautiful community who believed in my vision and helped bring it to life.
Layth Sidiq is a grammy-nominated violinist, composer, and educator and the current artistic director of the New York Arabic Orchestra. He has toured the world and shared the stage with major artists such as Simon Shaheen, Danilo Perez, and Jack Dejohnette, as well as performing in prestigious venues like the London Jazz Festival, Boston Symphony Hall, WOMEX Expo, Panama Jazz Festival, and more. He is featured on multiple award-winning albums and his first record Son of Tigris premiered at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2016.
In 2018, Layth won 2nd place at the Seifert International Jazz Violin Competition as the first Arab to ever participate, and he was also recently awarded 'Best International Artist' at the 2020 Boston Music Awards. He also directs the Center for Arabic Culture's Youth Orchestra Program in Boston and was a faculty member at Carnegie Hall’s ‘Music Educators Workshop’. Layth is the lead vocalist and violinist for the new Assassin’s Creed game ‘Mirage’, which will be released in 2023.
