Melodic fragments from medieval Spain with a Judaeo-Spanish version of a Turkish sharki. An Argentinian tango adapted to the dervish tradition. Orthodox church rites in Turkey meet an Andalusian secular repertory in Morocco.
Sefardim is a compilation of popular romansas (love ballads) by ladino-speaking Jews in Istanbul. Forced out of the Iberian Peninsula by the end of the 15th century, the music of the Sephardim survived 500 years in exile and greatly influenced Turkish Art Music. Janet and Jak Esim are accompanied by fretless guitar virtuoso Erkan Oğur and percussion maestro Okay Temiz. They have meticulously collected songs, melodies and lyrics from the last ladino speakers alive.
Album Identity Design
Cover Art
for Berlin based record label, Rumi Sounds.
