CD Review: Eishan Ensemble, Northern Rhapsody

“Northern Rhapsody” is the latest album by Eishan Ensemble, a group renowned for their innovative fusion of Persian classical music with jazz and contemporary sounds. The album was conceived during a period of reflection and exploration, as the bands leader, Hamed Sadeghi, sought to bridge the musical traditions of his Iranian heritage with the influences he encountered in Australia and beyond. The title, “Northern Rhapsody”, alludes to both the geographical inspiration behind the compositions—drawing from the landscapes and the journey of navigating new cultures and landscapes.

Hamed further explains this in the albums press release “Locals often cite soft sand beaches, coastal cliffs, and endless ocean views when describing the best of Australia,” Hamed shares. “As an Iranian living in Australia, I see it differently… it’s inland—the winding rivers, rock formations, the smell of eucalyptus, and vivid orange sunsets over rolling hills. Touring regional NSW shaped this work. “I was searching for love and beauty and found them in the Australian landscapes,”

The creation of “Northern Rhapsody” was marked by collaboration and experimentation with the musicians drawing on personal experiences of migration, nostalgia, and longing. This emotional depth is woven throughout the album, resulting in a collection of tracks that feel both intimate and expansive.

The album’s opener, “Tehran,” serves as a tribute to the Iranian capital and Hamed Sadeghi’s hometown, grounding the listener in the artist’s roots. The track begins with a sparse introduction on the tar, Sadeghi’s signature instrument, creating an atmosphere that is soon joined by a haunting saxophone melody. This combination establishes a contemplative mood and sets the tone for the album’s exploration of identity and belonging.

“Redfern” shifts the focus to Sydney, reflecting Sadeghi’s engagement with the city’s layered histories and his work on a dance project there. The music conveys a palpable tension between past and present, blending sorrow with a sense of urgency. The interplay between the tar and saxophone becomes more pronounced, as the track’s pace quickens and the musicians respond to each other’s improvisations. This dynamic exchange invites the listener to reflect on the complexities of place and memory, themes that recur throughout the album.

The album continues its journey with “Bazar,” a piece that reimagines the energy of marketplaces, drawing parallels between the bustling bazaars of Iran and the local markets of Bellingen in Australia. The composition captures the vibrant interactions and sensory richness of these spaces, using rhythmic motifs and melodic exchanges to evoke the spirit of communal gathering. “Return to Shiraz” revisits a theme from Eishan Ensemble’s earlier work, transforming it through years of improvisation and live performance. The evolution of this piece highlights the ensemble’s commitment to reinterpreting tradition and allowing their music to grow organically over time.

Tracks like “By the Mountain,” “Expressive Orient,” and “Towards the North” further expand the album’s geographic and emotional scope. “By the Mountain” opens with a drone on the double bass, evoking the tranquil yet commanding presence of the Alborz mountains, while the saxophone’s melody adds a reflective quality. “Expressive Orient,” inspired by Mohsen Hamid’s novel “Exit West”, explores migration and the passage of time, suggesting that change can occur even without physical movement. “Towards the North” contrasts memories of childhood holidays in northern Iran with experiences of touring in New South Wales, opening with an extended bass solo that gradually gives way to an ethereal melody. Together, these tracks illustrate Eishan Ensemble’s nuanced approach to storytelling, weaving together personal history and broader themes of migration, nostalgia, and transformation.

The sound quality of Northern Rhapsody stands out immediately, with each instrument captured in clear, vivid detail. The production allows the subtle nuances of the ensemble’s playing to come through, making the listening experience both immersive and intimate. One of the most striking aspects is the interplay between the saxophone and the tar. These two voices weave together to create a soundscape that feels both familiar and elusive, blending timbres in a way that is difficult to categorize. The result is a musical conversation that draws the listener in, inviting close attention to the textures and moods that unfold throughout the album.

Throughout the recording, the musicianship is consistently impressive, with each member of Eishan Ensemble contributing to a cohesive yet adventurous sound. While there have been many attempts to blend Middle Eastern music with jazz, this album stands out for the naturalness and depth of its fusion. The group’s approach feels unforced and genuine, allowing the traditions to inform each other rather than compete. For listeners interested in cross-cultural music or simply in search of a beautifully recorded and performed album, *Northern Rhapsody* comes highly recommended.

Line-Up:
Hamed Sadeghi, tar | Michael Avgenicos, saxophone | Adem Yilmaz, percussions | Maximillian Alduca, double bass

Release Date: 9 May 2025
Format: CD | Streaming
Label: ACEL Productions