Aleka - Ep Launch

About this event

Aleka - voice, compositions
Chris Guilfoyle - guitar
Kevin Higgins - bass
Brendan Doherty – drums

*** Support - Charlie Mooney Quartet ***


‘Fresh sounds with eastern tinges' - The Irish Times

'Experience, delight, vocation, hardwork, emotion, recreation, variation, improvisation – all of these revealed a moment of musical quality' – MagnaNews (Romania)

‘Pure class from all musicians is what’s expected, and they certainly deliver … Aleka is flying the flag for the arts, and did more than enough to prove this music is as strong as ever.‘- Dublin Concerts

Aleka is a Romanian vocalist, cellist, composer and lyricist who draws influence from her home country, using folk melodies interspersed with jazz harmony and eastern rhythms as well as Debussy and Bella Bartok, inspired by her experience in the classical music world.
The approach of the band may seem like it adheres to the traditional sentiments of a vocal jazz quartet however, it is influenced by a broad spectrum of styles from the roots of jazz to the contemporary reaches of pop music.

'Aleka'. The EP presents 2 original tracks: Breeze and Samah. Samah (Arabic for Forgiveness), is a composition that is very close to Aleka's heart, being inspired and dedicated to the refugee children and all children victims of war. The song tells a story about the moments that children in these situations encounter: pain, sadness and hope.
Along with original material, the project presents the bands' own take on Nick Drake's River Man and the Romanian 'Song' from the 70's movie 'Parasutistii'.

Aleka's voice is a myriad of textures and sonorities. She spent time exploring bell canto technique as well as the nuances and colours of oriental music and soul. All of these influences and styles culminate in a refined vocal sound that is very personal.

Lyrically, Aleka frequently uses themes such as sadness and the feeling of being lost but constantly yearning to break free from these emotions. And although the lyrical material may seem bleak, it is juxtaposed by the optimistic feeling of the music itself.

She has always wanted to bridge the gap between different musical genres and with her group she mixes Latin grooves, oriental modes and free improvisation along with high energy interaction between herself and the band which creates an exciting and truly contemporary ensemble identity.