Qalandar

A contemporary Persian ensemble rooted in classical tradition while embracing improvisation and new compositional approaches, Qalandar formed out of a weekly residency in the early 2010s and solidified as a quintet in 2016. The group draws on the distinct musical lineages of its members to weave Persian and Arabic modal traditions together with contemporary composition and free improv, and their detailed deep-listening approach has been called “mesmerizing” (Ink 19), “deeply penetrating” (All About Jazz), and “exquisite” (Musica Jazz). Built on years of shared history, trust, and what The WholeNote described as a “thrilling ability to make notes seem to hang in the air,” Gordon Grdina (oud), Hamin Honari (tombak/daf), Kenton Loewen (drums), Ali Razmi (tar/voice) and Fathieh Honari (voice), are joined by special guest Neelamjit Dhillon (tabla).
Thanks to Dr. Hari Sharma Foundation.