Who / What
Junun is a 2015 collaborative studio album project, not an organization. It was created by Israeli composer Shye Ben Tzur, English composer Jonny Greenwood, and the Indian ensemble the Rajasthan Express. The album was produced by Greenwood and engineered/mixed by Nigel Godrich, Radiohead's longtime producer.
Background & History
The project began when Jonny Greenwood first performed with Shye Ben Tzur and his ensemble in 2014. This collaboration culminated in the 2015 studio album "Junun," which brought together diverse musical traditions from Israel, England, and India. The recording represents a cross-cultural musical dialogue between these artists from different backgrounds.
Why Notable
Junun represents a significant international musical collaboration bridging Western and Eastern traditions. The project gained attention through the involvement of Jonny Greenwood, best known as Radiohead's guitarist and composer. It showcases the fusion of qawwali-inspired music with contemporary production techniques, creating a unique sonic experience that received critical acclaim for its artistic ambition.
In the News
As a 2015 album project, Junun continues to be relevant as an example of successful cross-cultural musical collaboration. It remains notable for demonstrating how artists from different parts of the world can create cohesive artistic works, serving as inspiration for similar international projects in the music industry.
