Arifa

Arifa is a Dutch-based contemporary jazz group whose music blends ancient musical traditions from the Middle East and the Balkans with jazz and improvised music through a Western framework. The group forms around a cross-cultural lineup and draws on traditions from Romania, Turkey, the Netherlands and Germany, with a sound that moves between Turkish and Balkan material, jazz and classical music.

Line-up

The group consists of four musicians: Alex Simu from Romania on saxophone, clarinet and live laptop; Michalis Cholevas from Greece on tarhu and ney; Franz von Chossy from Germany on piano; and Sjahin During from Turkey and Holland on Afro-Anatolian percussion. The verified information lists Alex Simu as a member.

Releases and activity

Arifa forms three years before the account given in the biography and performs on five continents within that period. Its debut album, Beyond Babylon, receives five-star reviews and international acclaim. The group’s second album, Anatolian Alchemy, follows as a continuation of its blend of Middle Eastern, Balkan and contemporary jazz influences.