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