East of West Crafts Musical Poetry in Their Jazz Fusion Piece – “Pastorale”

In the fertile borderlands between genres, East of West maps uncharted musical territory. This adventurous trio blends Mediterranean warmth, jazz improvisation, and Balkan rhythmic intensity into something entirely fresh. The distinctive combination of Goran Gajić’s double bass, Philip Griffin’s oud and lauto, and Malindi Morris’s percussion creates conversations between traditions that feel both ancient and startlingly new. Their compositions unfold like journeys – structured yet allowing space for spontaneous discovery.

East of West band is back with “Pastorale.” “Where is Your Accent From” opens the album like a gentle awakening, those initial key strokes setting up a contemplative space that feels both intimate and expansive. When the oud joins the slow-rolling beats, it creates this beautiful fusion of sounds that rocks you like a sophisticated lullaby. The way they’ve layered these elements shows real finesse – nothing feels forced or out of place.

“Quiet Days in West End” lives up to its name, letting the oud take center stage in a way that showcases the instrument’s emotional range. The folk influences traverse through the melody so naturally, creating this peaceful aura that feels like musical therapy. It’s the kind of instrumental that doesn’t need words to tell its story.

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“Takt” shifts the energy up a notch while keeping that core meditative quality. The increased prominence of the oud against those heartbeat-like rhythms and purposeful key work creates this engaging dance between traditional and modern elements. It’s more energetic than its predecessors but maintains that signature East of West thoughtfulness – like a quiet celebration rather than an all-out party.

“Pastorale” serves as a perfect album closer, blending together all the threads that make East of West unique. The way it opens with that folk-tinged oud sets up a journey that feels both grounded and exploratory. Then it unfolds like a musical story, each shift in emotion and feeling earned and natural – from those quiet, reflective moments to the darker undertones that add depth and complexity.

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The jazz elements slip in so smoothly you might miss them at first, but they add this sophisticated layer that elevates the whole piece. Those surreal, unhurried beats create this dreamy foundation that lets every other element breathe and develop naturally. It’s the kind of composition that reveals new details with each listen – a musical kaleidoscope that keeps turning, showing new patterns and colors every time.

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