Harris Lambrakis Quartet - Lafina (2023)

Occasionally an album comes along that is just so good that it’s difficult to know where to begin. The kind of album that warrants me running around the garden as if the England football team had just won the World Cup. But it’s not that kind of album. Or maybe climbing onto the roof of my house shouting and screaming at passers-by. No, it’s not that kind of album either. I could, however, climb to the top of a mountain and sit peacefully, listening to the beautiful sounds of nature as I meditate and give thanks… yes, this is the kind of album I’m talking about.

So who is Harris Lambrakis? Well, it surprised me to learn that he has in fact recorded for ECM. Though in all honesty, when listening to this album, the only real surprise is that he hasn’t recorded more for the label. Not that his music can or should be categorised in any way, but I would speak his name in the same context as musicians such as Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Jan Garbarek, and even the likes of Ravi Shankar, John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders. Lambrakis’ predominant instrument is the ‘ney’, an end-blown flute that features prominently in Persian, Turkish and Arabic music. In some of these traditions, it is the only wind instrument used, having been played continually for four to five thousand years in ancient Egypt. I’m certainly no expert on its history and traditions, or indeed the musicians who have played this wonderful instrument. All I can say is this; in the hands of Harris Lambrakis, it sounds compellingly beautiful.

The Harris Lambrakis Quartet was founded way back in 2006. It consists of four musicians who share a long relationship and friendship. Performing alongside Lambrakis are Nikos Siderokastritis on drums, Dimitris Theoharis on piano, and Dimitris Tsekouras on double bass. Over the years the quartet has performed largely in and around Greece, winning many friends and honours along the way. “Lafina” is the group’s third CD release, following on from “Thea” (2010) and “Meteora” (2012). All three recordings share a similar feel and style, but if like me you’re new to the quartet’s music, there’s no better place to start than with this latest release.

Put simply, “Lafina” is absolutely stunning. Written and performed by a jazz quartet at the peak of their powers, to my mind, this is the pinnacle of achievement for a group of musicians who bring together all of their musical traditions, skill, love and adventure, into one session of incredible music-making. Their music feels natural. It’s intuitive, inventive and inspirational. It takes the listener on an emotive journey. A journey through time… taking in all our yesterdays, giving hope for a positive tomorrow. But most importantly, it’s here, now, today, fully in the moment. Contemporary jazz such as this is not only timeless but borderless also. It breathes, it lives, and it’s truly transformative, speaking a musical language that comes from the musician’s hearts and souls, finding a way into ours.

Eight tracks of musical brilliance fill this album. From the very first moments of “Lafina” the title track, through to the closing notes of “The Unspeakable Joy of Children”, I find myself totally captivated. Personally, I find it impossible to listen to this album without feeling emotionally involved. And isn’t that the best kind of music we could ask for? Feeling a part of it all, immersed in it all? My emotions run wild, tears of joy mixed with tears of sadness, yet ultimately I’m resoundingly uplifted. There is hope. There is beauty. There is kinship. And there is love.

For whatever reason, Harris Lambrakis’ music isn’t that easy to find. I heartily recommend checking out his website or visit his Bandcamp page. Meanwhile, I’m off to the top of a mountain to give thanks, and to make a wish. I’ll share it with you if you like? I wish for this album to be made available on vinyl. Who knows… sometimes wishes do come true.