Launched in 2015, ‘Latitudes’ is a new series from the harmonia mundi classical label dedicated to ‘world classical music’. ‘Latitudes’ is dedicated to recording musicians who, though they operate within the framework of traditional music, bring new light to their art. Their intention is not to challenge the musical traditions of their own countries, but to enrich with invention and endless creativity.

In Kurdish, ‘Hawniyaz’ means something like: ‘Everybody needs everybody else, each of us is there for the other.’ The name is thus a perfect fit for the four extraordinary musicians of this ensemble, who came together, somewhat by chance, at the Morgenland Festival in Osnabrück: the Iranian 3-time Grammy-nominated virtuoso of the kamancheh (spike fiddle), Kayhan Kalhor, had played with leading Turkish Kurd singer Aynur in Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. They are joined by tanbur (lute) player Cemil Qocgiri, a German-born Kurd, and the noted Azerbaijani classical/jazz pianist Salman Gambarov.

By marrying their sensibilities, and each member’s personal sound, they have created a universe which unites the Kurdish and Persian music traditions, with just a touch of the West. This magical osmosis reminds us how enriching the influence of migrating peoples can be for all the world’s cultures.

Track listing:
1. Delalê
2. Rewend
3. Xidire Min
4. Malan Barkir: Bêrîvanê
5. Ehmedo: Ez Reben I'm