Sefardix

The concept behind this album is intriguing: the reimagining of Sephardic songs in a setting for drums and double bass; and the use of Greek, instead of the more common Ladino, for the texts. The contemporary instruments and the adoption of Greek is fitting, given the widespread distribution of Sephardic communities and their assimilation of differing cultures. All the songs here are traditional and are used as a basis for exploration and improvisation. Jorgos Skolias is the singer, and there is great sensitivity in the musicianship of brothers Marcin and Bartolomiej Oleś in supporting the vocal line with inventive, virtuosic use of the drums and double bass. For me, it is the bass playing that stands out; it grabs you from the very beginning of track one, with its long solo introduction.

The vocal lines are emotional and effective. At times there is a degree of vocalisation and experimentation – akin to free jazz moments – including a sobbing delivery on ‘Kaimos’ and strangely effective word-painting on ‘Kandili Kiei’, before it settles into a more standard groove. While this album is not always totally convincing, the musicians deserve praise for taking a new and very different look at a fascinating tradition.