Jon Balke & Siwan

Hafla (CD)

Siwan, the transcultural, trans-idiomatic musical collective led by Norwegian keyboardist/composer Jon Balke, continues along its special path, with new music inspired by the creative spirit of Al-Andalus. The ensemble weaves lines of communication between musicians from multiple traditions and locations. Among the texts set by Balke on Siwan’s third album and persuasively sung by Algerian vocalist Mona Boutchebak are verses by Ummayad princess Wallada bint al-Mustakfi (1010-1091) and contemporaries including Ibn Zaydun (1003-1071) and Ibn Sara As-Santarini (1043-1123). Hafla was recorded in May and June 2021 at Village Recording Studios, in Copenhagen.

TRACK LIST

1. Tarraquab
2. Enamorado De Jupiter
3. Mirada Furtiva
4. La Estrella Fugaz
5. Arrihu Aqwadu Ma Yakunu Li-Annaha
6. Diálogo En La Noche
7. Línea Oscura
8. Saeta
9. Uquállibu
10. Wadadtu
11. Visita
12. Is There No Way

Jon Balke Keyboards, Electronics, Tombak
Mona Boutchebak Vocals, Quitra
Derya Turkan Kemençe
Bjarte Eike Baroque Violin
Helge Norbakken Percussion
Pedram Khavar Zamini Tombak
Per Buhre Vocals, Viola