In a world reshaped by unprecedented challenges, flutist and composer Yulia Musayelyan reflects on the collective and personal journeys of recent years with her latest release, Strange Times, out now on Wherego Music. This deeply contemplative album weaves the rich tapestry of Latin American folk traditions with the exploratory spirit of modern jazz, offering listeners a poignant musical narrative of resilience, hope, and rediscovery.
The seeds of Strange Times were planted during the global pandemic when Musayelyan and her partner, bassist Fernando Huergo, began sharing duo arrangements of Argentinian folk songs on social media. These intimate recordings served as a bridge to loved ones and a foundation for the album’s creation. “The title reflects the confusion and transformation we’ve all experienced,” says Musayelyan. “But it also embodies the limitless possibilities of creating something new.”
With compositions spanning from the pandemic's outset to its aftermath, Strange Times captures a range of emotions, from isolation to elation. Tracks like the opening “Rothko Sketches” draw inspiration from the darker tones of Mark Rothko’s late paintings, while “Perugia at Night” evokes the serene beauty of nighttime strolls through the ancient Italian city. Other pieces, such as “Carnavalito” and “Zamba de Usted,” pay homage to the traditional folk music of South America, reimagined through Musayelyan’s innovative arrangements.
The ensemble’s chemistry is central to the album’s depth and vibrancy. Featuring Musayelyan on flute and bass flute, Maxim Lubarsky on piano, Fernando Huergo on bass, and Mark Walker on drums, the group infuses the compositions with individuality and improvisational brilliance. “Playing music together is a balance of openness and contribution,” Musayelyan explains. “I trust these musicians not just to read the music but to bring their own voices to it.”
From its darker meditations to its lighter, celebratory moments, Strange Times chronicles a universal journey while remaining deeply personal. Through masterful compositions, a diverse sonic palette, and heartfelt storytelling, Musayelyan connects with listeners on a profoundly human level.
Strange Times is available now on Wherego Music.
