New Old World Music Society and Caravan World Rhythms present
An Engaging Evening of Persian, Jazz, and Improvised Music
Featuring:
Gord Grdina’s The Marrow with guest Iranian singer Fathieh Honari
and
SAFA – Persian Jazz Fusion trio
Music lovers are in for a treat as SAFA and The Marrow present a double bill concert featuring material from their new albums. SAFA, a Vancouver/Montreal-based trio, is led by Amir Koushkani on tar and setar, François Houle on clarinets, and Hamin Honari on percussion. They explore various threads and traditions and create virtuosic performances by incorporating elements of Persian music with Western Classical and improvisation. On the other hand, The Marrow, led by oud player Gordon Grdina, combines Arabic Maqam and Persian Dastgah with western improvised music and jazz. The group plays intricate and delicate original and traditional works with Hank Roberts on cello, Mark Helias on bass, and Hamin Honari on tombak and daf. In this special performance, The Marrow is joined by Fathieh Honari, a renowned Persian singer known for her deep understanding of Persian classical poetry and her expressive vocals. With these two groups coming together, the audience can expect a musical feast that combines tradition with innovation.
THE MARROW
Led by oud player Gordon Grdina, The Marrow brings together Arabic Maqam and Persian Dastgah with western improvised music and jazz. The music is intricate and delicate, holding a deep connection to the past while looking forward. The group plays original and traditional works with Hank Roberts (cello), Mark Helias (bass), and Hamin Honari (tombak and daf).
In this special performance, they are joined by Fathieh Honari, one of Canada’s premier female Persian singers. Born in Iran, Fathieh began singing before audiences during her early childhood. After immigrating to Canada, she continued her studies of the Radif (the Persian classical music modal system). Today, she’s known for bringing a profound understanding of Persian classical poetry to her deeply expressive vocals.
Performers
Gordon Grdina – oud, guitar
Mark Helias – bass
Fathieh Honari – vocals
Hamin Honari – tombak, daf
Hank Roberts – cello
SAFA:
SAFA is a Vancouver/Montreal-based trio consisting of Amir Koushkani on tar and setar, François Houle on clarinets, and Hamin Honari on percussion. The group explores various threads and traditions, incorporating elements of Persian music with Western Classical and improvisation to create virtuosic performances. They have appeared at major festivals across North America and received critical acclaim for their 2002 CD, “Alight,” featuring compositions based on Sufi poetic themes. SAFA was also recently featured in the Aga Khan Museum’s pocket performance series and released a new album on Afterday Audio, showcasing 10 stunning original compositions.
Koushkani, originally from Tehran, brings a deep wealth of knowledge of Persian Classical music into his compositions and arrangements. Houle, a Canadian clarinetist, is well-known in the world creative music scene for his originality, profound musicality, and virtuosity. Honari, a percussion virtuoso born in Zahedan and raised in Vancouver and Montreal, is a sought-after collaborator who has performed with some of today’s most adventurous ensembles, including Juno-Award winner Gordon Grdina’s HARAM and The Marrow, Itamar Erez, and Constantinople.