Dziesmu Kamoliņš // Garland of Songs
Latvian folk traditions reimagined through contemporary jazz, improvisation, and a global musical language
Dziesmu Kamoliņš (Garland of Songs) is an original project by Latvian-born, New York-based vocalist, composer, and arranger Arta Jēkabsone, inspired by the rich traditions of Latvian folk music and poetry. Created between Latvia and New York, the project weaves centuries-old Latvian folk songs and dainas (folk poetry) together with original compositions, contemporary jazz, improvisation, and musical influences from around the world.
The title Dziesmu Kamoliņš, Garland of Songs, reflects the timeless and ever-evolving nature of folk music, songs passed from generation to generation like a thread weaving together memory, place, identity, and voice. Since moving to New York, Jēkabsone has reimagined more than 45 Latvian folk songs, gradually developing a distinctive musical language that connects her Baltic roots with her experiences in the international jazz scene. Rather than simply preserving these songs, Garland of Songs allows them to travel, transform, and find new meaning through contemporary musical expression.
The music moves from intimate, prayer-like moments to expansive improvisation, from delicate acoustic textures to vibrant rhythmic landscapes. Latvian melodies meet jazz harmony, chamber music, electronics, and global musical traditions, creating a sound world that is deeply rooted in heritage yet open to exploration. At its heart, Garland of Songs is both a celebration of Latvian cultural heritage and an invitation to experience these songs through a contemporary, borderless lens, where tradition becomes a living source for imagination, connection, and new creation.
Garland of Songs was Nominated for the Latvian Music Recording Award “Zelta Mikrofons” in the World/Folk Music Album category.
Released on October 16, 2025, Dziesmu Kamoliņš (Garland of Songs) features 11 original compositions and arrangements inspired by Latvian folk traditions. The album brings together an international ensemble of musicians whose diverse musical backgrounds become part of the project’s dialogue between cultures. Jēkabsone performs vocals, piano, and violin, and serves as the album’s composer, arranger, and producer.
FEATURED MUSICIANS
Arta Jēkabsone – vocals, piano, violin
Ike Sturm – electric bass
Keita Ogawa – percussion
Kengchakaj – synthesizers & Moog
Sintija Grigorjeva (ChaSe) – electric bass
Jānis Rubiks – upright bass
Leo Genovese – Rhodes piano
Edo Gur – flugelhorn
Julie Kim – cello
Zosha Warpeha – violin & viola
Federico Nelson Fierovanti – percussion
Samir Langus – guembri & percussion
Nizar Dahmani – percussion
*Composed, arranged & produced by Arta Jēkabsone
SELECTED PRESS
“She has now released a powerful example of ethno-jazz… This is a compelling example of contemporary global music, in which Latvia’s folk heritage, infused with influences from many other cultures, emerges in an especially unexpected and intriguing light.” — Music Magazine Saule, Kaspars Zaviļevskis
“From the very first notes, Jēkabsone’s voice anchors the listener — warm, pure, and full of quiet strength… bridging the sacred and the contemporary in a way that feels both reverent and daring.” — Odyssey Magazine, Iain Johnson
“Latvian-born vocalist, composer, and arranger Arta Jēkabsone channels her Baltic roots through a modern jazz and pop synergy on Dziesmu Kamoliņš, a memorable collection that reimagines traditional folk songs with striking originality and heartfelt intimacy.” — Obscure Sound, Mike Mineo