Searching for a Song

A journey through imagination, self-discovery, and the endless possibilities of song

“A song is more than a song; it is a story of life, heartbeat, reflection, and expression… It is a story of one’s soul’s freedom and love.”

Searching for a Song is an original large-ensemble work by vocalist and composer Arta Jēkabsone, created as part of The Jazz Gallery Commission Residency 2021/2022 in New York City.

Through nine original compositions, Jēkabsone invites listeners into an imaginative musical world shaped by stories of joy, silence, nature, love, light, healing, and self-discovery. Drawing from contemporary jazz, classical music, Latvian folk traditions, and improvisation, the project moves between intimate storytelling and expansive ensemble writing.

At the heart of Searching for a Song is a question that has followed Jēkabsone throughout her creative life: What is a song, and where do we find one? Here, a song becomes more than melody or words. It can emerge from a memory, a heartbeat, a moment of silence, the natural world, or the search for meaning within ourselves. Through abstract storytelling, poetry, and music, Jēkabsone explores the song as a reflection of one’s inner world, a place of freedom, connection, and transformation.Written during a period of profound uncertainty, the nine compositions were conceived as a musical journey toward hope and light. A large jazz ensemble of distinctive improvisers and creative voices brings this world to life, allowing the compositions to move freely between detailed ensemble writing and spontaneous musical interaction.

THE COMMISSION

Searching for a Song was composed as part of The Jazz Gallery Commission Residency 2021/2022, supporting the creation and presentation of new large-ensemble music. In 2025, Searching for A Song was performed at the first innaugural NoMad Jazz Festival in NYC.

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THE ENSEMBLE

Arta Jēkabsone – vocals

Theo Walentiny – piano

Lucas Kadish – guitar

Hamish Smith – bass

Connor Parks – drums

Sara Casewell – violin 

Zosha Warpeha – viola

Tamar Frankel Damari – harp


Kana Miyamoto – flute


Alfredo Colon – alto sax