Quartet Elana Sasson Quartet “in between” feat. oud master, Ara Dinkjian

The Elana Sasson Quartet continues to redefine the boundaries of contemporary jazz and world music with “in between,” a breathtaking reimagining of the title track from the ensemble’s critically acclaimed debut album. Featuring legendary oud master Ara Dinkjian, the new single deepens an already powerful composition, transforming it into a moving meditation on identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. Recently nominated for the 2026 European Upbeat Platform Best New Talent Award for Spain, the Valencia-based quartet has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting emerging voices in contemporary world jazz. Their music seamlessly blends Kurdish, Persian, Mediterranean, and jazz traditions into a sound that feels timeless while remaining refreshingly modern.

Unlike conventional vocal performances, “in between” abandons lyrical storytelling in favor of expressive vocalise. Elana Sasson’s voice becomes another instrument within the ensemble, soaring effortlessly alongside Ara Dinkjian’s masterful oud, Santiago Bertel’s expressive piano and Rhodes, Manos Stratis’ rich double bass, and Victor Goldschmidt’s restrained yet emotionally resonant percussion. The result is an immersive listening experience where every note communicates emotion beyond words. The collaboration with Ara Dinkjian feels especially meaningful. Widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest oud players and the composer behind internationally celebrated works such as “Homecoming (Dinata),” Dinkjian brings decades of musical wisdom to the recording. His distinctive playing enriches the quartet’s already expansive sound, adding warmth, nostalgia, and remarkable depth to a composition centered on existing between multiple cultures and identities. Recorded at Jazz Tone Studios in Valencia and expertly mixed and mastered in Athens, the production preserves the intimacy of the performance while allowing each instrument the space to breathe. Rather than competing for attention, the musicians create a delicate musical conversation where jazz improvisation, Middle Eastern traditions, and ambient textures coexist with remarkable elegance.

What makes “in between” particularly compelling is its emotional universality. Even without lyrics, the composition speaks clearly about displacement, memory, heritage, and the search for belonging. The absence of words invites listeners to bring their own experiences into the music, making every listen feel deeply personal. Following the success of their debut album—which climbed to No. 4 on the World Music Charts Europe and received praise from publications including Songlines and BBC Radio 3—the Elana Sasson Quartet demonstrates that thoughtful cross-cultural collaboration can produce music that feels both innovative and profoundly human. With “in between,” Elana Sasson Quartet and Ara Dinkjian offer more than a collaboration—they create an evocative musical landscape where contemporary jazz, Mediterranean traditions, and emotional storytelling meet in perfect harmony. It is a beautifully crafted recording that invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and embrace the beauty found between worlds.