BAKLAVA EXPRESS
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Baklava Express brings its New York City cross-cultural ensemble to Barbès for a late-night instrumental set built largely from the original compositions of leader and oud player Josh Kaye. The listed quartet pairs Kaye with violinist Daisy Castro, bassist James Robbins, and percussionist Jeremy Smith. Their music draws on Ashkenazi and Mizrahi liturgical traditions, Ottoman classical music, and folk forms from across the Mediterranean, shaping those sources into contemporary, Middle Eastern-inspired fusion.
Based in New York City, Baklava Express is led by award-winning composer Kaye. The group has appeared at the Brooklyn International Music Festival, Greek Jewish Festival, and Nyack Jazz Festival, and its music features on Conor Mcfinn’s animated short film Ariel. Its debut album, Dávka, arrived in 2023, with Sababa scheduled for release in April 2026. Writing for World Music Central, Tom Orr called the band “a mystically equipped musical train” that is “on a perfect roll”; Chris The Blogger of Music Arene GH described the work as “a profoundly moving experience that transcends boarders and musical conventions.”
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.