Sabába
Self-Released, 2026
8/10
The Brooklyn outfit Baklava Express, which is led by the oud player Josh Kaye, bring their strong attention to rhythm and melody for these 8 worldly songs.
“Nistar” opens with the flowing oud and Jeremy Smith’s animated percussion surrounding the cultured warmth, and the title track follows with Daisy Castro’s animated violin that suits the dynamic and precise interaction of the busy climate.
“Herding The Wind” arrives in the middle and benefits from James Robbins’ meticulous bass plucking, while “A Very Narrow Bridge” is a rich and intricate album highlight that puts Eren Erdogan’s ney to good use.
Close to the end, “Salt And Paprika” sees James Labrosse’s strategic guitar adding much to the global textures, and “Begin Again” exits with a calmer mood via the soft gestures that weave in and out of sophistication and grace.
The band touch on jazz, flamenco and rock, where traditions rooted in Turkish, Greek and Armenian ideas are present for the listen that is as expansive as it is welcoming.
Travels well with: Anupam Shobhakar- Liquid Reality; Juana Luna- Canciones En Blanco Y Negro