Visions of Nar - Daughter of the Seas

2023 release

Daughter of the Seas is the debut album from Visions of Nar, a project co-led between Armenian pianist Zela Margossian and Australian saxophonist Jeremy Rose, that features the ancient sounds of tabla player Bobby Singh, electric soundscapes of guitarist Hilary Geddes and Kurdish percussionist Adem Yilmaz. The 11 original compositions are a kaleidoscopic ride through Armenian folk and jazz influences, with a nod to the fiery Armenian goddess of water, sea and rain, Nar.

When Zela and Jeremy discussed ideas and inspiration for the album, Armenian mythology was a point of reference which both felt excited to explore. “Nar, the goddess of water and ocean,” explains Zela, “is a powerful female mythical force in Armenian mythology. We wanted to embody and reflect upon these themes in the new music.” “I’ve long been fascinated by Greek and Roman mythology,” explains Jeremy, “I was intrigued to learn more about Armenia and explore these in a musical setting.”

For Zela, her cultural background and upbringing provides her with a natural ear for Armenian melody and folk traditions. She explains, “my Armenian heritage, and growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, has given me a broad sense of music appreciation and inspiration. My classical training and experience performing Armenian folk music has left an impression on me, an inherent sense of melody and phrasing that I am still discovering.” Despite not having formal composition lessons, Zela describes her upbringing as an excellent source of inspiration. She reflects, “I use an intuitive creative process that draws on these backgrounds, allowing them to make their way out and compliment each other.”

“a space that sonically and stylistically lay entirely outside of idiom.” (Sydney Morning Herald).

For Jeremy, this project was unique in its combination of musical personalities. “I’m drawn to the juxtaposition of various musical elements. In this case, I was particularly fascinated by contrasting the ancient and modern, be it Armenian folk with contemporary classical and jazz, or the sounds of Bobby’s tabla against electric soundscapes from Hilary’s guitar. We all have distinct musical approaches - I’m excited about how all these interact with each other.” Zela has found this project to be particularly inspiring. She explains, “composing for this specific project has created a special headspace for me. Composing has always been an emotional journey and a way to express my feelings or to tell a story. This project triggered a range of new ideas and sounds in my head, I can’t wait to share the recording and performances!

"The pushing of existing boundaries? The creation of new sounds? The slow, gentle inculcation of sounds the world has not yet heard? Or the sensation of crossing foreign, sonic heights? When it comes to this band, all of the above.” Limelight

Daughter of the Seas is a ABC Fresh Start Commission by ABC Jazz