(Progressive jazz, World Jazz) Cyminology - Saburi - 2011, MP3, 320 kbps

Second ECM album from the Berlin-based band led by charismatic German- Iranian singer Cymin Samawatie, takes further the modus operandi outlined on their critically-acclaimed As Ney. In the wake of that recording, the group toured the world from Rangoon to Washington, and this new one shows a real growth of confidence on all fronts bringing the music to the next level
Cyminology is a unique band, taking its melodic direction from the inherent musicality of Farsi, the Persian language. The sound of the language and the sound of the music are closely linked. Where, last time around, Cymin drew on classic Persian poetry for her texts, now the lyrics are all hers. Love songs whose words suggest a broader meaning. The title “Saburi” means “patience”, with its implication of dedication and commitment
On the tune “Norma”, Cymin, using her voice instrumentally, offers wordless tribute to singer Norma Winstone whose natural unaffected vocals are an inspiration – in 2009 the vocalists shared a bill in the ECM 40th anniversary concerts at Kings Place in London
Compositions are all by Cymin with the exception of “Hedije” and “Hawaa”, with music by pianist Benedikt Jahnel and “As maa” written by drummer Ketan Bhatti. Both Bhatti and Jahnel make strong showings here as instrumentalists, as soloists and arrangers-in-action, helping to embody the emotional atmosphere of the songs. The album was produced by Manfred Eicher at Oslo’s Rainbow Studio

Cymin Samawatie (vocals)
Benedikt Jahnel (piano)
Ralf Schwarz (doublebass)
Ketan Bhatti (drums percussion)