Radio Afloat
In A Circle, 2025
8/10
The violinist and vocalist Layale Chaker is joined by her ensemble Sarafand for these cultured and rich jazz selection that are both worldly and enlightening.
“Intro -and and from the dove i raised myself” opens the listen with Chaker’s elegant voice amid Jake Charkey’s lovely cello for a lovely and mysterious setting, and “Anatomie of Titus” follows with 2 segments that involve Phillip Golub’s swirling piano and a mesmerizing quality that also benefits from John Hadfield’s agile drumming.
Landing in the middle, “Khab Nisan” recruits Golub’s key acrobatics with a rock focused approach of rhythmic ideas, while “Ocean To Ocean” unfolds with profound beauty via Chaker’s sublime singing and the bare but impactful instrumentation.
“Southern Sky” and “Nocturnal: Backburn” exit the listen. The former makes great use of Sam Minaie’s skilled bass alongside the graceful strings in a dreamy fashion, and the latter finishes with mature keys and poetic violin that tugs on the heartstrings in a hazy demeanor.
A truly global representation of jazz, chamber, orchestral and improvised sounds, Chaker and company flesh out a unique and timeless body of work.
Travels well with: Ethel & Layale Chaker- Vigil; Jessica Mayer- I Long And Seek After