Sarāb

Climène Zarkan vocals, keyboard / Robinson Khoury trombone / Baptiste Ferrandis guitar / Timothé Robert bass / Paul Berne drums 

Making their UK debut at mjf, Sarāb creates a commanding mix of Arabic music, jazz and rock, and is one of the most mesmerising bands to come out of the vibrant Paris music scene in recent years.  

Born from the meeting between the Franco-Syrian singer Climène Zarkan and guitarist Baptiste Ferrandis, Sarāb - meaning mirage in Arabic - plays with borders and genres, navigating through Eastern and European tones, fusing the energetic rhythms and harmonies of both cultures into an ingenious yet authentic melting pot.  

Sarāb’s virtuosic, interweaving vocal and trombone frontline melodies are offset by the band’s rhythmic and harmonic intricacies - yet the results make for a highly emotive and rewarding experience, in what will undoubtedly be a highlight of this year’s festival programme.   

Sarāb are touring the UK supported by EJN Green Pilot Tours – an initiative by Europe Jazz Network members – including mjf – to reduce the carbon footprint of international touring. The artists have arrived from France and Germany by train or other means of green transport. We encourage you to do the same for your (hopefully shorter) journey to Band on the Wall this evening... 

Host or Publisher manchester jazz festival