Sibarg Ensemble's First Album

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Though sonically representative of two different regions and cultures of the world, traditional Iranian music and jazz are both rooted in improvisational practices. The music of Iran is an improvisatory music occurring within a specific framework that includes traditional melodic and rhythmic structures combined with Iranian poetry. Jazz improvisation also incorporates established themes and rhythmic patterns; however, over the years, jazz has openly welcomed international musical cultures into its contemporary forms. In this album, the Sibarg Ensemble explores the concept of combining the sounds of Iranian music and American jazz through an intercultural improvised music making. By utilizing Iranian and Western instruments, including the kamâncheh, târ, robâb, vocals, piano, double bass, and drums the musicians draw on their own musical backgrounds, while creating a unique dialogue with one another. Ultimately, this album cultivates something that is neither Iranian nor American, but rather a fluid soundscape that transgresses regional and cultural identifications.

 

Tracks:

Azal composed by Kyle Motl | Poem by Omar Khayyâm (1048-1131)

Sâri Galin based on a folkloric melody | sang in Farsi and Armenian

Cipher composed by Joshua Charney | Poem by Rumi (1207-1273)

Four Parts and Deylamân based on the Radif | Poem by Fereydoon Moshiri (1926-2000), Poem by Sa’adi (1210-1291)

Faryâd based on a Kurdish melody (Beh Yadeh, Beh Yadeh) | Poem by Hafez (1315-1390)

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Hesam Abedini | Vocals

Joshua Charney | Piano

Kyle Motl | Double Bass

Andrew Munsey | Drums

Ebrahim Poustinchi | Târ, Robâb

Niloufar Shiri | Kamâncheh

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Recorded by Chris Hobson at Rarefied Studio, San Diego, California

Recorded November 5, 2016

Additional recording by Saman Motamed

Mixed and mastered by Matt Baltrucki
Graphic design by Ebrahim Poustinchi

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Sponsored by Jordan Center for Persian Studies at UC Irvine

Special Thanks to the Farhang Foundation for their continued support