BAHLA are heading out on UK tour.
Breaking new ground with their unique mix of cinematic jazz entangled with Jewish folklore, the London-based 5-piece outfit will launch the project with a show at St. Mary’s Music Hall in Walthamstow, London on December 7th.
Formed by Venezuelan pianist Joseph Costi and English guitarist Tal Janes while studying together in London, their meeting un-earthed a sound world of Jewish folk melodies hidden in their memories from childhood, albeit in two different corners of the world. They curiously began researching and learning about the wide spread geography and history of the music, ranging from North-African rhythms, liturgical melodies and yiddish art songs from Russia. Bahla was born to bring their findings to life.
Imprints is a collection of 8 songs inspired by different stories of identity, migration and displacement. The music is home to many different influences ranging from Radiohead to Polar Bear and Shai Maestro, but has kept Jewish folk traditions at its core. Music and culture are joined at the hip and particularly in the current climate, Bahla have been driven to show that it is not only possible for different cultures to meet peacefully, but these moments of collaboration can lead to something new and exciting. Across the album, a distinctive palette is underset by a bold and dynamic rhythm section, while radiant vocals – echoing the modal form of Jewish prayer music – rise and fall over searching, delicate melodies on keys and guitar.
Since their debut performance at the late BBC Proms, Bahla have kept a busy schedule including performances at the London Jazz Festival and Brecon Jazz Festival, and will support the release of Imprints with a number of UK shows in 2018:
February 2nd – Norwich – Anteros Arts Foundation
February 14th – Sheffield – The Lescar
February 15th – York – The Basement
February 16th – Newcastle – The Jazz Cafe
February 18th – Edinburgh – The Jazz Bar
February 19th – Lincoln – St Mary’s Guildhall
February 20th – Manchester – Peer Hat
February 21st – Torquay – Speakeasy
February 22nd – Barnstaple – Broomhill Arts
February 27th – London – Pizza Express, Dean Street
Formed by Venezuelan pianist Joseph Costi and English guitarist Tal Janes, London based group Bahla break new ground with their mix of cinematic jazz, entangled with Jewish folklore. Across their debut album ‘Imprints’ is a distinctive palette underset by a bold and dynamic rhythm section, while radiant vocals – echoing the modal form of Jewish prayer music – rise and fall over searching, delicate melodies on keys and guitar.
BAHLA ARE:
Inês Loubet – Voice
Tal Janes – Acoustic & Electric Guitar
Joseph Costi – Piano, Wurlitzer & Fender Rhodes
Andrea Di Biase – Double Bass
Ben Brown – Drums & Percussion
FOR MORE INFORMATION
