Safa

Safa stands out as an exceptional trio that merges diverse musical heritages, incorporating elements ranging from Asian pop and Latin percussion to American improvisational jazz. Amir Koushkani, born in Tehran, lends his voice along with the setar and tar to the ensemble, maintaining an accomplished solo trajectory beyond the band's activities. Francois Houle, hailing from Canada, infuses the mix with his jazz background through passionate clarinet performances, whereas Sal Ferreras, originally from Puerto Rico, supplies an array of percussion tools alongside expertise in avant garde jazz and Latin-American folk traditions. The group produces an intricate fusion of deliberate improvisation and atmospheric textures that defy easy categorization. Alight marked their first release, coming out during the summer of 2002.