Zela Margossian Quintet returns with new album

Born in Beirut to an Armenian family and now based in Sydney, Zela Margossian has craft a unique musical language informed by movement, memory and multiple homes. A pianist, composer and ARIA-nominated artist, she draws together the rhythmic freedom of jazz, the discipline of classical training and the melodic appeal of Armenian and Middle Eastern folk traditions to create a sound that’s entirely her own.

Her vision comes fully alive through the Zela Margossian Quintet, the ensemble with whom she’s earned an international reputation for cinematic, emotionally impactful composition. Their music often feels story-focused in structure, playing out like chapters guided by atmosphere, tension and release.

Zela’s own story helps explain the emotional context of that sound; classically trained from an early age, she studied piano at the Parsegh Ganatchian Musical College before continuing at the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory in Armenia. It was there that she encountered Armenian ethno-jazz, a tradition blending folk music with jazz improvisation that would profoundly shape her compositional voice. Since forming her quintet in Sydney, she’s continued to blend Armenian melodic language with contemporary jazz and classical influence into expansive works based in feeling.

Critics have responded strongly and her 2018 debut album Transition, released through Australian label Art As Catharsis, received favourable reviews. That first record also saw her nominated for the ARIA Award for Best World Music Album in 2019 and led to touring across Australia, New Zealand and Lebanon. In 2020, the quintet made its debut at the Sydney Opera House, while Zela was selected from an international field as one of the Creative Armenia Fellows before releasing their sophomore LP, The Road, in 2022.

After further touring nationally, dates in New Zealand and a performance at the EFG London Jazz Festival, the group now prepares to unveil its third album later this year through Ropeadope. That record is Remedy, a highly personal outing shaped by reflection, transformation and emotional determination. “This record is one of the most personal ones I have written yet,” Zela shares. “It holds so much pain, love, reflection and reconciliation within myself and with what is happening around the world.”

Opened by “In Flight,” the soft flicker of piano notes sets up an engrossing eight minute voyage that gradually builds with sparse percussive taps and warm woodwind tones, slipping into a slick groove of rustling drums and lively instrumental flashes. With intricate rhythmic switch ups, abrupt cut offs and passages of elegant layers, it’s an epic musical experience that slowly swells to a gripping crescendo before simmering down for a delicate close.

“Indifferent World” glides with airy piano flourishes and gentle bass notes before hazy brass textures glide in to cast a dreamy soundscape full of lilting rhythmic sway and transportive melodies. Gathering pace with the pattering of percussion and increasingly fervent trumpet leads, the track reaches a wholly absorbing finale before returning to the hushed tones of the song’s start to deliver a full circle moment.

With “Waves Unveiled,” the rattle of punchy percussive shots is met by smooth bass lines and bright piano chords before jumping into a jittery energy capped by woodwind leads which dance atop the shifting groove of the arrangement. Tracks like “What If” present a mesmeric rhythmic flow and graceful blend of sweeping instrumental elements, floating through moments of dazzling instrumental leads to offer a spectacular display of musicianship panache.

“How I Wish” builds from stunning piano work before alluring vocal leads enter to add a soulful dimension to Zela’s composition. “Repentance” lands with the bounce of running piano notes before the shuffle of drums injects a stead forward motion as smooth sax leads ring out above, forming a lively and subtly moody jam that develops with the exit of drums to leave space for a gliding conclusion of instrumental performance.

Closing the album with title track “Remedy – A Song of Joy,” the shake of atmospheric percussive elements sets a laid back scene as plucked bass notes usher in playful vocalisations and piano chords to craft a breezy finale to Zela Margossian Quintet’s superb new album. With Remedy arriving on the 22nd of May, fans will have much to look forward to from this charming and highly original new record from Zela Margossian.