With two albums, an EP featuring vocalist Shiran Tzfira, and five highly collectable 45s under their belt, Sababa 5 have established themselves as trailblazers in the global grooves scene alongside the likes of Altın Gün, Yin Yin, and Misha Panfilov. Garnering support from esteemed DJs and institutions such as BBC Radio 6, Radio Nova, Songlines, and Star Wax, the band’s innovative fusion of diverse musical influences continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

“Bezani” transports listeners on a sonic journey with its electric synths and percussion-fueled 6/8 rhythm. Drawing inspiration from early electronic sounds and Persian folk, the track creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that pushes the boundaries of genre blending.

On “Ashkamoni”, Sababa 5 showcase their versatility with a rockier feel infused with a rocksteady swing. The track’s captivating melody builds dynamically, while the lead guitar and synth engage in enthralling solos, demonstrating the band’s exceptional musical prowess.

Sababa 5’s collective experience backing a wide variety of international artists has no doubt driven their tight sound and ability to seamlessly fuse genres. With influences ranging from the world renowned Funk Brothers, Wrecking Crew and Daptones, to Middle Eastern psych, the band effortlessly blends diverse musical elements into their distinctive sound.

“Bezani” and “Ashkamoni” mark another milestone in Sababa 5’s musical journey, further solidifying their reputation as innovators in the world of psychedelic groove. Fans and music enthusiasts alike can expect to be enthralled by these latest additions to the band’s impressive repertoire.

TRACK LISTING

1. Bezani
2. Ashkamoni

Sababa 5 continues their musical journey following the success of their acclaimedself-titled debut album, which fused deep funk and Middle Eastern grooves. Their latest offering, still under the Batov Records label, ventures into more explorative and experimental instrumental compositions. While evolving their musical direction, 'Aspan' delves into the realm of psychedelic rock while retaining the essence of the band's signature Middle Eastern groove.

In recent times, Sababa 5's talent has gained recognition on prominent French radio stations such as Radio Nova and FIP. Their tracks have become regular features on BBC Radio 6 Music, drawing the attention of notable figures and emerging talents like Gilles Peterson, Cerys Mathews, Jamz Supernova, Gideon Coe, and Deb Grant. Leading music publication "Songlines" has praised the band's "slick precision" and the captivating elements they infuse, ranging from "Moog synth licks" to "flavors reminiscent of Wes Montgomery-style guitar."

The album opens with "Wembley," radiating a summery festival vibe. The track kicks off with a distinctive guitar riff that drew parallels to classic stadium rock, inspiring its name after London's iconic ninety-thousand-seat venue. The track evolves with prominent organ and bass riffs, culminating in a surprising addition of an electric saz—a recent Istanbul acquisition—imbuing a Turkish touch that echoes the Indian sitar's influence on 60s rock, notably bands like The Beatles.

"Fa Sol La" follows suit, named simply after its bass-led melody. The lively drumbeat and catchy riffs exude an upbeat energy that's bound to induce joyous reactions from listeners. Around the two-thirds mark, a dreamy guitarinterlude elevates tension before easing into a shift towards a more progressive and rhythmic direction.

The title track, "Aspan," takes its name from a nonexistent storm. The song impeccably showcases the band's cohesion, with guitar, bass, drums, and organ intricately locked into a mesmerizing groove. The origin of the title stems from a misinterpretation of an upcoming storm named Alpis that proved to be milder than anticipated. The name resonated, resulting in several tracks adopting storm-related titles.

Concluding the album is "Indra," a laidbackcomposition that stands as its most serene offering. This track's fusion of psychedelic folk rock is poised to capture the hearts of many, serving as a poignant postscript to the bittersweet conclusion of summer—a narrative of love discovered and lost.

The expansive and captivating soundscape of 'Aspan' is set to attract a fresh wave of fans while fortifying the group's mastery of substantial grooves with a distinct Middle Eastern essence. With appearances already on European festival stages, the year 2024 holds great promise for Sababa 5, marking a significant chapter in the band's journey.

TRACK LISTING

1. Wembley
2. Tri Li Li
3. Fa Sol La
4. Carmel
5. Aspan
6. Aeolus
7. Barbara
8. Alpis
9. Indra

Sababa 5 have demonstrated their special blend of Middle Eastern psych, funk and disco over a course of eights 45s for Batov Records, a collaborative EP with singer Shiran Tzfira, and an acclaimed self-titled album, receiving plaudits from the likes of BBC radio legends Gilles Peterson and Gideon Coe. Hot off the back of extended instrumental faze, covering their self-titled debut album, that drew comparisons to the Menahan Street Band, and a pair of essential 45s overflowing with funk, Sababa 5 hit the studio to cut a pair of killer songs with Turkish synth, electro and alternative pop sensation Canay Doğan. Currently a member of the Jazz Department at Istanbul University, Canay has been releasing her own songs since 2021. Known for her versatility not only as a singer but across keyboards, drums and percussion, she can be seen accompanying many artists on vocals and keyboards. The collaboration came about after Canay heard Sababa 5’s “Nasmusa”, delving deeper and noting the similarities with Turkish music she reached out to suggest they work together. Compounded by Sababa 5 already having a presence in Turkey, it was meant to be. Dreamy and melancholic synths meet gritty funk rhythms on “Bigâne”. According to Canay, the song addresses issues around depressions about the relative meaninglessness of life, the emptiness of so many questions and answers, and the “variability of the truth”. The urgent music of “Namdar” backs a paean to the fakeness of most friendships, and empty daily questions such as “how are you?”, and how many socalled friends are in truth jealous and bitter. The deep and searching questions of Canay’s lyrics give weight to the beautiful vocals that almost float over Sababa 5’s compelling grooves. “Bigâne” and “Namdar” add another deadly string to Sababa 5’s bow and are essential grooves destined for DJs’ 45 boxes and discerning listeners’ playlists.

TRACK LISTING

1. Bigâne
2. Namdar

Sababa 5, Tel Aviv’s funkiest export, upgrade their signature Middle Eastern psychedelic funk with the addition of Hoodna Orchestra’s dynamic brass section, another essential 45 from Batov Records’ Middle Eastern Groove series.

Labelled by the likes of Truth & Lies as a “serious contender in the world of instrumental funk”, Sababa 5 have created a modern sound, fusing funk, disco, and psychedelic rock with a wide range of Middle Eastern influences, culminating in last year’s acclaimed self-titled debut album, Named after their new studio address on the border of Jaffa and Tel Aviv, “Eilat 22” & “Elifelet 23” spring from the same sessions that delivered us the enormous ‘Funk #1 / Funk #2’ 45, as championed by the Nostalgia King, Skeme Richards, BBC Radio 6 Music host, Huey Morgan, and influential music portal, Music Is My Sanctuary.

Sababa 5’s tight-as-ever instrumental grooves are enriched by the bright bass sounds of The Hoodna Orchestra brass section, comprising Bar Ashkenazi on trumpet, Eylon Tushiner on tenor, and Elad Gelert on baritone saxophone. Hoodna are renown for their energetic take on Afrobeat, and have been touring and recording recently with Ethio jazz legend Mulatu Astatke, and here they supply a touch of JB’s meets Africa ‘70 energy.

On “Eilat 22” the Sababa 5 rhythm section of Raz Man on drums and Amir Sadot on bass is in full funk force, supporting a vibrant hook from the Hoodna brass section, leaving room for solos from guitarist Ilan Smilan and synth mage Eitan Drabkin, full of Middle Eastern flavour.

On the flip “Eiffelet 23” grooves along like a Dap Kings funk nugget, except in this case there’s room for Eitan to improvise across the jam with a microtonal organ sound reminiscent of legendary Egyptian musician Magdi el- Husseini.

TRACK LISTING

A.Eilat 22
B. Elifelet 23