SAZ'ISO
Saz'iso (Albania)
The Joys and Sorrows of Southern Albanian Song
Saz’iso are masters of Saze - a polyphonic music that hails from the stark landscapes of Southern Albania. With its ancient roots, Saze has the power to entrance any listener, even if they are strangers to this long-isolated country. Urban instruments such as clarinet and violin took their inspiration from the iso-polyphonic singing of the villages where vocalists follow the ancient patterns of 'lead' and 'cutting' voices to improvise swirls around the melody, with moods ranging from aching, blues-like ‘kaba’ to joyful dances. This hand-picked ensemble, brought together by legendary producer Joe Boyd (Pink Floyd, Toumani Diabaté, Nick Drake) and co-producers Andrea Goertler and Edit Pula, comprises some of the finest contemporary performers of this mesmerizing style originating in the cradles of Saze around the beautiful towns of Korça and Përmet, opening a window into Albania's fascinating musical traditions.
“Deep soul from Southern Albania” - Ry Cooder
01 Nov Cardiff | RWCMD
03 Nov Bangor | Pontio
04 Nov London | LSO St Luke's
05 Nov Milton Keynes | The Stables
06 Nov Cambridge | Junction
07 Nov York | NCEM
08 Nov Bristol | Colston Hall /Lantern
09 Nov Sheffield | University Concerts
10 Nov Lincoln | Performing Arts Centre
11 Nov Gateshead | Sage Gateshead