Afternoon Tea at Six

Following just two years after their excellent 2018 debut Nim Dong, this second recording by Sydney ethno-jazz collective Eishan Ensemble sees the group reach a new level of musical cohesion and exploration. While primarily composed by the group’s leader – Iranian tar virtuoso Hamed Sadeghi – the seven pieces that comprise Afternoon Tea at Six were conceived as a series of stories narrated collectively by the ensemble. This inclusive process allows each musician an opportunity to shine, leading to moments of intense musical interplay, not unlike a heated discussion between friends. This is particularly evident on ‘Future #2’, which draws on thematic themes established on the band’s debut. Michael Avgenicos’ tactile saxophones blend particularly well with Sadeghi’s tar, and Elsen Price’s growling bowed double bass is a highlight. Pedram Layegh’s simmering flamenco guitar sets the tone for several of the pieces – including album opener ‘Black and Blue’, and Adem Yilmaz’s earthy layered percussion conjures a dynamic and exciting mood.

The core ensemble is joined on two tracks by vocalist Sonya Holowell, whose haunting soprano adds a welcome new element, especially during a stark a capella interlude in the title-track. As well as the boldness in its ensemble performances, this recording also has greater compositional confidence than its predecessor, betraying the influence of musicians such as Rabih Abou-Khalil and Ravi Shankar. The group collectively transition between odd meters seamlessly, and themes are given space to build in their own time, often culminating in stunningly executed unison passages. While Eishan’s touring plans may be on hold for now, their new album is one of the delights of 2020.