In Between
PKMuscik, 2025
9/10
The inimitable singer Elana Sasson brings Persian poetry, Kurdish Mountains songs, plenty of jazz nods and Latin rhythm to these 9 diverse and worldly tracks.
The graceful and flowing “Akh Leil” opens with Santiago Bertel’s sophisticated keys that complement Sasson’s gorgeous pipes, and “Bahari Digar” follows with Kaveh Sarvarian’s well timed ney and Victor Goldschmidt’s detailed drums amid the expressive singing.
In the middle, “Nerges” showcases Manos Stratis’ skilled double bass alongside the colorful vocal acrobatics, while “Elaneven” allows for Miron Rafaljovic’s strategic trumpet to help illuminate the rich album highlight.
Nearing the end, “Laye Laye” enlists Matthieu Saglio’s stirring cello and Bertel’s fender rhodes via the rare intimacy, and “Hevi” exits with the mature keys and dynamic rhythm section aligning with the articulate singing.
An often tender and moving effort that can incorporate grooves, too, Sasson and company explore living between cultures, identities and emotional states with tremendous eloquence.
Travels well with: Rose Wollman- Breaking Glass Ceilings; Moira Smiley- The Rhizome Project