Elegy for Gaza

Elegy for Gaza, the first Barbez release in six years, is a plea for peace and a lament for the victims of the war in Gaza.

“Our music has often drawn inspiration from historical events, struggles for human rights, and poetry,” said the group’s primary songwriter, Dan Kaufman. “All these elements are woven together in this piece. We see this music as a small gesture of solidarity for the citizens of Gaza, especially for its children.”

The cover, by the visual artist Adam O’Neal, was based on an image taken by the Palestinian photojournalist Said Khatib, who gave the rendering his blessing. Arabic calligraphy was drawn by the Lebanese fashion designer Gabi Asfour(threeASFOUR), and the Arabic poem on the A side was translated by his sister, Nana Asfour, a journalist and editor. Artwork was created by Heung-Heung Chin, the designer for John Zorn’s Tzadik label. The music was recorded and mixed by Martin Bisi at B.C. Studio in Brooklyn and mastered by Fred Kevorkian at Kevorkian Mastering in Brooklyn.

"Besides making a contribution towards feeding the people of Gaza, it can be a great way to take the time to sit with the track, and pray from the heart to keep kindled the hope for peace that we all share," said the group's thereminist, Pamelia Khadijah Stickney.

Proceeds from the recording will benefit World Central Kitchen and the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund.