Rivers of Sound

Rivers of Sound is a large ensemble led by Iraqi-American trumpeter, santur player, vocalist, and composer Amir ElSaffar. Known for his masterful fusion of jazz and traditional Iraqi maqam music, ElSaffar’s Rivers of Sound project expands this cross-cultural dialogue onto a grand scale, blending Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Western jazz traditions. The orchestra includes a rich mix of instruments such as oud, buzuk, santur, cello, violin, saxophones, English horn, trumpet, piano, and various percussion, creating a unique sonic tapestry where microtonal maqam melodies intermingle with modern jazz harmonies and rhythms. Their music flows with a liquid quality, engaging both composed and improvised material to explore new musical languages that transcend traditional boundaries.

Amir ElSaffar’s Rivers of Sound has been praised for its innovative approach that doesn’t just build bridges between musical styles but becomes a seamless river of sound, celebrated for its beauty, complexity, and emotional depth. The ensemble’s work has been recognized by critics in major publications like The New York Times, Downbeat, and Jazz Times for its eloquence and ability to convey the healing power of music through this rich cultural synthesis. This project is seen as a continuation and expansion of ElSaffar’s earlier smaller ensemble, Two Rivers, reaching new heights with its 17-piece orchestra format.

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