Charlie Mariano - Charlie Mariano's Nassim

One of the records that accompanied me throughout the design process of this typeface was "Charlie Mariano's Nassim". On this album Charlie Mariano sets out for a journey through the musical landscape of North Africa. Oud, percussion, and vocals from the Maghreb meet Mariano's saxophone and Dave King's electric bass.

Throughout the record one feels mutual understanding — both sound-worlds are self-confident, yet curious and interested in the nature of the other. They talk, dance, question and embrace each other. A true dialogue of civilizations.
As much, the music inspired this inter-cultural typeface-design. Although both projects are from totally different fields, the fundamental principles and assumptions behind them are similar: mutual respect, understanding and generosity between the cultures.
Though I do not pretend to have achieved the mastership of Charlie Mariano in his realm, I do hope that I succeeded in the implementations of these values. As a homage to this music I called my typeface Nassim*. - by Titus Nemeth
(* breath of air, fresh air; wind, breeze)

Personnel:
Charlie Mariano (Alto Saxophone)
Chaouki Smahi (Vocals and Oud)
Dave King (Bass and Baritone Guitars)
Yahia Smahi (Darabouka and Percussion)
Paul Shigihara (Guitar)
Hubert Nuss (Piano)
Ramesh Shotham (Indian Drums and Percussion)

Tracks:
1. Khartoum (Charlie Mariano) 3:18
2. For Charlie (Chaouki Smahi) 9:02
3. La Rose du Sable (Chaouki Smahi) 5:45
4. Oran (Chaouki Smahi) 4:35
5. Amoulati (Traditional) 5:18
6. La Cassba (Chaouki Smahi) 3:40
7. Karima (Chaouki Smahi) 5:09
8. Ichtiak (Chaouki Smahi) 7:38
9. Night-Time in Cairo (Chaouki Smahi) 12:50