I was introduced to Layale Chaker and her band Sarafand when I walked into Mr. Dell's room one morning at MELS and asked "What are you listening to??" I hadn't heard anything quite like the music of Layale Chaker (violinist) and her latest band, Sarafand. Layale describes her music as "counteracting stereotypes of Arabic music" and works to build a bridge between Arabic music and Western classical music. Her album, "Inner Rhyme" was just released and her band includes vioin, cello, bass, piano, and various kinds of drums. Check out the jazzy song "Relentless" and the haunting "Impressions" (London Jazz Festival performance) on Youtube! [click on post for links]