Album Notes

Black Sea Hotel’s debut album features 16 tracks of searing, ethereal and primal a capella Balkan music as rendered by 4 American female vocalists. Rooted in the tradition of Bulgarian women’s choirs, the quartet invokes the shimmering, angelic harmonies made famous by Les Mysteres Des Voix Bulgares, even as they create their own inimitable sound that recalls the gutsiness of Zap Mama, with driving, rhythmic vocals and harmonies saturated in a sonic playground. Most of Black Sea Hotel’s arrangements are written by members of the ensemble, based on traditional melodies, but they also perform the work of Balkan composers and arrangers. Each of the singers has sung and studied this music in Eastern Europe and at home in New York City. As performers, they have collaborated with legendary Bulgarian singers and spirited contemporary NYC ensembles. Black Sea Hotel’s past performances include sets at Joe’s Pub, Drom, Pete’s Candy Store, Mehanata, and the Bulgarian Embassy.