The live performance of “Ay Ke Buena” revives a traditional Ladino wedding song from the Sephardic tradition of pre-Inquisition Spain. Vocalist Elana Sasson, with roots in the Kurdish-Jewish community, and pianist Santiago Bertel from Colombia blend their respective cultural heritages into the music, incorporating Middle Eastern vocal styles and a combination of jazz, classical, and Latin American rhythms. This effort is part of a broader attempt to preserve and modernise a rare cultural tradition through music.

Joining them are Manos Stratis, a bassist from Cyprus, and Belgian drummer Victor Goldschmidt, who add an innovative jazz groove to the mix. Their playing introduces a modern twist to the traditional melody, using odd meter rhythms to create a fresh and dynamic sound. This collaborative approach not only honors the song’s historical roots but also showcases the quartet’s diverse musical influences, making the session a contemporary reinterpretation of cultural heritage.

You can find out more info and stream the single HERE