Among intertwined lineages, Jewish cantorial music, Ottoman classical, Arab folk, Greek, Armenian, and flamenco, Baklava Express has become a space where they all converge. This project honors traditions not by recreating them, but by composing new music for a shared future. In times of division, we offer a meeting place. When identity is narrowed, we expand artistic imagination. Our new album, Sababa (an Arabic word meaning “cool,” adopted into Hebrew), is part of that expansion.

Sababa is our second album of original compositions, rooted in these distinct, yet related traditions. The pieces echo their sources, close enough to evoke home, yet something new. We are creating original music shaped by tradition, not confined by it.

Today, nostalgia for an imagined past deepens divisions, and cultural identities seem fixed. We propose something else: Traditions coexisting, instrumental music meaning something unique to each listener, and a shared sonic space inviting a more generous world. These song without lyrics, inspired by the tradition of nigunim,  belong to everyone!

We’re recording “Sababa” at Studio 42 in Brooklyn. Unlike our debut album, this new recording reflects a group that has played hundreds of shows, refined our arrangements, and developed deep musical trust. 

The ensemble: 
Josh Kaye (oud/compositions)
Daisy Castro (violin/cello)
Eren Erdogan (ney/kaval)
Lefteris Bournias (clarinet)
James Lambrosse (guitar)
James Robbins (bass)
Jeremy Smith (percussion).

Each brings unique history, enriching the sound. The album is scheduled to be released April 17, 2026. And with your support, it will get the production it deserves!

Creating an album of this scope and quality requires significant resources.

Our funding goal is $25,000, and though the real cost is higher, this amount lets us complete Sababa with excellence!

Here’s a breakdown of what it actually costs to record an album:

Like most independent artistic projects, this goal does not fully cover all actual labor involved, particularly the composing, arranging, rehearsing, and project management work required to bring the music into being.

Meeting our goal of $25,000 means that we will be able to launch a high quality album with all our artists paid at fair industry stranded rates, and bring it to you on schedule in April!

Your contribution is:

Each contribution supports our ability to:

Baklava Express exists because of community, the musicians who share the stage, the audiences who show up, and the supporters who believe that music can make a difference.

If this vision resonates with you, we hope you’ll join us in writing the next chapter!