Brussels-based Aleph Quintet draws on the musical traditions of North Africa, the language of contemporary jazz, and the power of improvisation to create a distinctive sound that is both deeply rooted and constantly evolving.These five musicians, each with diverse artistic backgrounds, develop a music of passage where mesmerizing rhythms, modern harmonies, and a quest for authenticity intertwine. Their art is one of connection — between cultures, eras, and emotions. Following the success of their debut album Shapes of Silence, widely acclaimed by critics, Aleph Quintet pushes the boundaries of its musical vision with this new project. Now recognized and followed on the international music scene, the five Brussels-based musicians return with Hiwar, an album that highlights their unique musical signature: a bold fusion of modern jazz and traditional North African music. In Arabic, Hiwar means “dialogue,” a word that perfectly captures the spirit of this record: an exchange celebrating cultures, heritage, and innovation. Dialogue, by its very nature, represents a shared search for understanding and authenticity. Through the unveiling of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions, Hiwar becomes a space where identities reflect one another and learn from each other. Each member of the quintet brings their own universe and experience, shaping a powerful collective vision that is both rooted and contemporary. Aleph Quintet has received numerous awards, including “Choc” and “Révélation” from Jazz Magazine, “Best Foreign Group” from Jazz News, “4 Stars” from Le Soir, “Best Belgian Jazz Album” at Jazz à Liège, the French Music Press Award, and the Silver Tanit at the Carthage Musical Days. The group has performed in many countries, including Belgium, France, Spain, Germany, Tunisia, Jordan, England, Scotland…