Northern Rhapsody
Hamed Sadeghi is proud to announce his latest album for Eishan Ensemble, titled ‘Northern Rhapsody’.
Releases May 2025 on ACEL Productions, France
“Eishan Ensemble’s latest recording is a perfect example of successful jazz fusion”
Northern Rhapsody is an exploration of the human experience, born from Hamed Sadeghi’s quest to capture the essence of beauty through music. The album delves into themes of connection, transformation, and the journey of navigating new cultures and landscapes.
“Locals often cite soft sand beaches, coastal cliffs, and endless ocean views when describing the best of Australia,” Hamed shares. “As an Iranian living in Australia, I see it differently… it’s inland—the winding rivers, rock formations, the smell of eucalyptus, and vivid orange sunsets over rolling hills.”
Touring regional NSW shaped this work. “I was searching for love and beauty and found them in the Australian landscapes,” he explains. These experiences gave him a second home.
“Of course, I have treasured memories of Iran. It’s in my blood, and Persian culture will always resonate—that’s my home too. But I could never have made this album in Tehran. The rhythm of life is too fast… Quiet places are rare unless you travel to the mountains.”
Hamed’s connection to regional Australia deepened with each tour stop. “I’ve been welcomed into homes, onto stages, and into communities with open arms. Each stop revealed moments of beauty that were distilled into music.”
He vividly recalls an evening in Bellingen: “After a concert, we returned to our accommodation that faced a farm. Dew settled on leaves, a soft fog blurred the silhouette of trees. The silence was broken only by the whispering wind. We sat there for almost an hour.”
“Wherever the beauty is…. That’s my home. I’ve fallen in love with this country.”
Eishan Ensemble’s previous albums are upbeat; "Northern Rhapsody feels more grounded,” Hamed states. The music is gentle and spacious, emphasizing soundscapes inspired by vast landscapes. The compositions are rooted in the episodic yet cohesive rhapsody form, and balance tightly composed melodies with dazzling improvised interplay. In Northern Rhapsody, Sadeghi’s creative process comes to life through an unconventional configuration of instruments—tar, saxophone, double bass, and percussion. The space within the compositions allow the musicians to imbue the music with their own individual artistic attributes.
This work bridges past and present, East and West, offering a poignant reflection on identity and belonging. “I aim to inspire dialogue, provoke thought, awaken emotions that resonate and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society”.
Featured Artists:
Hamed Sadeghi, tar
Michael Avgenicos, saxophone
Adem Yilmaz, percussions
Maximillian Alduca, double bass
Track Descriptions
Tehran
‘Tehran’ is a tribute to Iran’s vibrant capital, Hamed’s hometown, where his earliest connections were formed.
Redfern
‘Redfern,’ inspired by Hamed's work on a dance project in Sydney, conveys the tension between past and present, blending sorrow and urgency to invite reflection.
Bazar
‘Bazar’ reimagines the vibrant energy of marketplaces, comparing visits to the Bellingen Markets with the bustling bazaars central to Iranian culture.
Return to Shiraz
‘Return to Shiraz’ revisits and reimagines Shiraz from their 2021 album Project Masnavi. Over three years, it has transformed through improvisation and live performance.
By the Mountain
‘By the Mountain’ reflects the tranquil yet commanding presence of the Alborz mountains, capturing the serenity and inspiration they offer as both muse and metaphor.
Expressive Orient
‘Expressive Orient', inspired by Mohsen Hamid’s Exit West, explores the idea of migration through time, reflecting how staying in one place can feel like a journey as the world changes around you.
Towards the North
‘Towards the North’ contrasts childhood holidays in northern Iran with music tours in northern NSW, serving as a tribute to cherished memories and their modern parallels.