Persian Jazz at BREC – Concert and free Masterclass
What happens if you experiment with the combined sounds of Persian and jazz instruments? In short: a unique and beautiful musical experience.
Kohesia, a jazz ensemble led by double bassist Kate Pass, serves as a platform for Kate’s original compositions, which are influenced by her passion for both jazz and Persian music. The Kohesia Ensemble explores unusual time structures and microtonal melodies, combining the sounds of Persian flute (ney), percussion (daf) lute (saz) and oud with jazz instruments for a truly unique listening experience.
The ensemble including a stellar line-up of Australian and Iranian musicians, has performed at an array of festivals including National Folk Festival (ACT), Illawarra Folk Festival (NSW), Fairbridge Festival, WAMFest, Perth International Jazz Festival, King Street Corner Pocket Festival, Margaret River Guitar Festival and Nannup Music Festival.
Kohesia’s show “Shahnameh: Songs of the Persian Book of Kings” won the 2020 Martin Sims Award at Fringe World – a top tier prize for the “Best new WA work that is destined to succeed on the world stage”, and was nominated for 2018 WAM Best Album, Best Jazz Act and Best World Act.
BREC is welcoming the award-winning jazz ensemble on 12 May for a free, interactive masterclass and on 13 May for a live performance.
The masterclass will introduce participants to some traditional stringed instruments such as oud, saz and setar, as well as ney (flute) and daf (hand-drum). It will also cover the history of these instruments, their special features and limitations, and the challenges of playing alongside modern Western instruments.
Kate Pass, the lead of the ensemble, explains: “in this hands-on workshop, we would like participants to experience how elements of Persian scales and rhythms can combine with jazz through a shared emphasis on improvisation. Bring your instrument and jam with the Kohesia Ensemble, or get involved through clapping rhythms. Everyone is welcome, musicians and non-musicians.”
There is no doubt that after this masterclass, participants will be keen to watch the experts perform. On 13 May, Kohesia Ensemble will take the stage to treat the community to a night of beautiful and original Persian jazz.