Acūstica by YUZ

Acūstica by YUZ

Acūstica is the third album by YUZ, the instrumental project of guitarist and composer Uriah Witztum. Across 11 tracks, YUZ opens up his most acoustic and intimate world to date. This is a journey, where Mediterranean traditions, Middle Eastern modes, flamenco rhythms, and jazz-infused colors coexist in harmony. At times joyful, at times melancholic, always deeply human, Acūstica tells a story without words, proving once again that instrumental music can carry as much drama, humor, and tenderness as any sung lyric.

Acoustic textures and instrumentation

One of the defining elements of Acūstica is its richly varied instrumentation. Recorded entirely with acoustic instruments, the album features guitar, accordion, violin, clarinet, and double bass, alongside more exotic timbres such as the baglama, bouzouki, laouto, and the ancient Iraqi joza. Each instrument is given space to shine, not just as accompaniment but as a voice with its own cultural and emotional weight.

The interplay between these instruments creates a tapestry that feels alive and constantly shifting. At one moment, the listener is immersed in a Turkish-inspired melody with ornamented strings; the next, they are carried into a flamenco serenade, a jazz-inflected groove, or a cinematic, dreamlike passage. YUZ never forces these traditions together; instead, he allows them to converse naturally, making the album both diverse and coherent.

Track highlights

The opening track, “Narkis”, sets a bright and optimistic tone, tinged with Turkish accents that immediately place the listener in the heart of YUZ’s musical landscape. It flows naturally into “Song for Guy”, one of the singles that has already resonated with audiences worldwide and has become my favorite piece in the album. This wordless song is both sentimental and elegant, blending Middle Eastern melodic lines with a calm, almost meditative atmosphere. Its strong melodic presence makes it one of the most memorable tracks of the album.

With “For 16”, the pace quickens. Notes fly by with dazzling virtuosity, creating the impression of a chase scene, yet the performance never loses its clarity. Despite the technical demands, YUZ maintains a smooth, effortless flow that demonstrates his mastery as both composer and performer.

“Galil” introduces a different color, leaning toward European harmonies and flamenco textures. Here, guitar leads the way, presenting a piece that stands at the intersection of cultures—bridging rather than separating them. “Sindiana” takes a jazz-infused opening and blends it with Middle Eastern timbres, demanding contemplation as it shifts between styles and moods.

The quieter “Friday Afternoon” gives the baglama space to sing over subtle guitar accompaniment, showcasing YUZ’s ability to highlight instruments in unexpected roles. “Museum” follows with an elegiac tone, sounding almost like a lament for a forgotten world, deeply moving in its restrained sadness. 

The emotional core of the album comes with “Prelude to Vicente” and “Vicente”. The prelude recalls the delicate lyricism, it reminded me of some of the works of Dustin O’Halloran, where emotion outweighs virtuosity, while “Vicente” continues the atmosphere but grounds it in Middle Eastern harmonic language, with augmented seconds coloring the string lines. Together, they form a moving centerpiece.

“Portrait” then offers a more minimalistic approach, built on ostinato-like accompaniment and a serene melody that creates a mesmerizing effect. Finally, “Choro Karem” closes the album with joy and celebration, blending flamenco energy and Middle Eastern harmonies into a hopeful finale—a perfect ending to a diverse emotional journey.

YUZ’s artistic vision

YUZ, the musical voice of Uriah Witztum, has become known for his ability to merge Mediterranean roots with psychedelic atmospheres and modern instrumental storytelling. His charismatic stage presence and melodic sensitivity have earned him listeners across Europe and the Middle East, especially in Turkey, where his audience continues to grow. Backed by an exceptional live band, his performances combine technical brilliance with emotional immediacy, making his music accessible and deeply affecting.

Through Acūstica, YUZ reinforces his reputation as an artist who transcends geographical, cultural, and stylistic borders. He crafts music that is intimate yet expansive, playful yet profound, bridging traditions in a way that feels natural and sincere.

Conclusion

Acūstica is far more than a showcase of acoustic instruments. It is a carefully sculpted narrative that moves between joy and sorrow, tradition and innovation, intimacy and grandeur. Each track feels like a story, and together they form a complete journey that is both personal and universal.

For listeners drawn to world music, Mediterranean traditions, acoustic fusion, and instrumental storytelling, this album is essential listening. With Acūstica, YUZ has created a work that not only reflects his own artistic voice but also offers a vision of music as a bridge—uniting cultures, emotions, and people across borders.

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