A fusion of Persian poetry, Kurdish traditional songs, jazz harmonies and Latin rhythms. In Between, the new album from Persian/Kurdish-American vocalist, composer and bandleader Elana Sasson delivers on every front.
Release Date: 18th April 2025
Label: PKMusik
Format: CD / Digital
ELANA SASSON
Elana Sasson is a vocalist, composer and bandleader and her music is a heady fusion of influences that include Persian poetry, Kurdish mountain songs, jazz harmonies and Latin rhythms. Shaped by years of training with master musicians from Iran and Kurdistan and by her studies at Berklee College of Music (where she earned a Master’s degree in Contemporary Performance), Elana’s music encapsulates both the traditions of her roots and her own personal emotions.
She has a string of albums to her name, most recently 2024’s Ay Ke Buenos, an album which, like the new offering In Between, features the talents of The Elana Sasson Quartet – Elana on vocals, Santiago Bertel on piano, Manos Stratis on double bass and Victor Goldschmidt on drum. Each an absolute master of his/her craft. To supplement this accomplished assembly, In Between also features guest appearances from cellist Matthieu Saglio, trumpeter Miron Rafajlovic and Kaveh Sarvarian, who embellishes several of the tunes with the mystical sound of his ney, a variety of Turkish flute.
AN EXCELLENT ALBUM
The idea for In Between was born during Elana’s time at Berklee’s Valencia Campus, where she connected with Colombian pianist Santiago and the idea reached fruition after she was introduced to Karveh, Matthieu and Miron, each of whom were based in Spain. And the outcome? A high-quality work of tender passion that establishes new boundaries for what can be achieved by thoughtful cultural fusion. In Between is an excellent album.
The mood is established right from the outset by Akh Leil, a traditional Kurdish love song given a calming jazz treatment by the Quartet. Satiago’s piano and Victor’s drums provide a discrete yet solid backing, Matthieu’s cello solo is magical and Elana’s voice oozes the childlike innocence of the song’s lyrics. There’s a helpful English translation to those included in the album’s sleeve notes…!
POETIC AND TRADITIONAL INSPIRATIONS
It’s during Bahari Digar – the album’s lead single – that Kaveh makes his first appearance with his ney, and it’s a delight. Elana’s own composition with inspiration taken from the writings of Persian feminist poet Forough Farrokhzad. It’s a wistful song with a jazzy, Middle Eastern feel. Santiago, Manos and Victor provide a solid support to Kaveh’s ney improvisations as Elana’s clear vocals soar heavenwards.
Victor provides a pattering rhythm on his Persian tombak for the upbeat Ay Ke Buena, a traditional Sephardic wedding song. Piano and bass combine beautifully with each taking its turn in the spotlight. Elana thoroughly inhabits the song as she sings the tender lyrics – “Ansi ansi mi galana, ansi ansi mi alma ansi” (“”Oh, my beloved, Oh my soul.)
FOLLOW THE DREAM
Kaveh returns with his ney to accompany Elana on Prelude to Nerges, an atmospheric Kurdish chant. Elana performs it wonderfully, before the band take things in a jazzier direction for Nerges – a relaxing, dreamlike, song that lavishes praise upon the wonders of nature. Santiago and Kaveh both deliver amazing solos on their respective instruments and Elana’s vocals are, once again, crystal clear and charming.
Double bass, tinkling piano and Elana’s voice provide the engaging accompaniment to Miron’s smooth trumpet on Elaneven, a jazzy album highlight. Elana and Santiago then take centre-stage for the album’s title track. Elana’s dreamy double-tracked vocals allow the listener space to drift, whilst Santiago follows the dream on his piano.
A JAZZY ENDING
The lyrics to Laye Laye, a Kurdish lullaby, reflect the special bond between a mother and her child and the emotion and devotion of that relationship is evident in Elana’s voice as she sings. Matthieu’s cello, Manos’s bass and Victor’s drums give the song a typically jazzy edge. Santiago then signals the onset of sleep with his sparkling cascades of Fender Rhodes.
And, to conclude this splendid album, Elana and Santiago return, once again, to the inspiration of Kurdish poetry. Poet Arjen Arî’s words to Hêvî express the hope that the snows of winter will, once again, soon be banished by the onset of Spring. The band – bass, piano and drums – are at their jazziest and on top form and Elana’s voice is tender and reassuring. It’s a fine ending to a fine, fine album.
Listen to Bahari Digar, the album’s lead single, below:
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