Release date: April 2, 2025
In recent years, musical movements outside of Iran have seen significant growth, with Iranian artists based abroad playing a pivotal role in driving these developments forward. Among the most notable figures in this sphere is Aida Shahghasemi a vocalist, composer, and lyricist of Iranian descent. Based in North America, she has garnered recognition through earlier works such as Cypress of Abarkooh and Cheshmandaaz-e Rooydaad, as well as numerous performances across the U.S. and Europe including a widely acclaimed appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. Her latest album, Sarab, has just been released, marking another milestone in Aida’s ongoing exploration of experimental and narrative-driven music.
From the very first moments of Sarab, it becomes clear that the listener is not merely engaging with a collection of songs, but with a carefully crafted narrative experience. The sequencing of tracks and their transitions are deliberately designed, with storytelling elements including spoken-word passages voiced by Aida herself, as well as environmental and experimental sounds playing a central role in shaping the album’s atmosphere.
The opening track, Around the World in 90 Minutes, immediately showcases Aida’s vocal prowess, set against a piano-driven backdrop that evokes suspense and mystery. The track Khalvat offers a reimagining of a previously heard piece inspired by the poetry of Saadi this time rendered through an intimate interplay of voice and piano.
A major part of Sarab’s appeal lies in its diverse instrumentation. The inclusion of musicians with jazz backgrounds adds depth and nuance to the sonic palette. Liz Draper (double bass), Davu Seru (drums), Jeremy Ylvisaker (guitar), and Nima Hafezieh (piano) each play crucial roles. Ylvisaker’s guitar work rich in ambient textures and experimental tones adds sonic depth that enhances the album’s overall mood. Meanwhile, Nima Hafezieh, a longtime collaborator of Aida’s, demonstrates a deep sensitivity to her musical language and plays a key role in the composition and direction of the pieces.
Sarab is a fusion of Iranian musical sensibilities, jazz influences, and sonic experimentation, presented through a conceptual and deeply personal lens. It stands as a compelling example of independent Iranian music one that impresses not only in structure but also in the emotional and immersive experience it offers to the listener.
