Elana Sasson - In Between (2025) [Hi-Res]

"In Between" fuses Persian poetry, Kurdish mountain songs, jazz harmonies, and Latin rhythms, creating a sound that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. With its blend of emotive modal melodies, grooving odd meters, and rich instrumentation, the album reflects a journey of cultural exploration and personal search for belonging. Set to release on April 18, 2025, on PKMusik, "in between" offers a captivating dialogue between East and West, where ancient sounds meet modern expression.

Described by Songlines magazine as having an "arrestingly beautiful" voice, Persian/Kurdish-American vocalist and composer Elana Sasson leads the album with heartfelt interpretations of her heritage, seamlessly merging tradition with innovation. The album features Colombian pianist Santiago Bertel, Cypriot bassist Manos Stratis, and Belgian drummer Victor Goldschmidt, alongside special guests Matthieu Saglio (cello), Kaveh Sarvarian (ney), and Miron Rafajlovic (trumpet).

Each track reflects years of research, collaboration, and cross-cultural dialogue, with highlights including “Akh Leil,” a traditional Kurdish love song reimagined with a bright, odd-meter groove; “Bahari Digar,” an original piece inspired by Persian poet Forough Farrokhzad, featuring atmospheric ney; and “Laye Laye,” a Kurdish lullaby reinterpreted with cello, bass, and Fender Rhodes. The Sephardic wedding song “Ay Ke Buena” combines Persian tombak rhythms with piano, bass, and drums for an upbeat, celebratory feel.

Together, these elements create a cohesive and innovative musical fusion that delves into themes of placelessness, longing, and identity, offering a contemporary reflection on the complexities of navigating multiple worlds.

Main Band:
Elana Sasson - voice
Santiago Bertel - piano
Manos Stratis - double bass
Victor Goldschmidt - drums

Featured Guests:
Matthieu Saglio - cello
Kaveh Sarvarian - ney, tombak
Miron Rafajlovic - trumpet

Tracklist:
1-1 Elana Sasson - Akh Leil [4:54]
1-2 Elana Sasson - Bahari Digar [4:38]
1-3 Elana Sasson - Ay Ke Buena [3:49]
1-4 Elana Sasson - Prelude to Nerges [2:17]
1-5 Elana Sasson - Nerges [3:46]
1-6 Elana Sasson - Elaneven [6:06]
1-7 Elana Sasson - In Between [2:41]
1-8 Elana Sasson - Laye Laye [4:46]
1-9 Elana Sasson - Hevi [6:27]