Not too long ago I was at a party at my friends place and he had this pretty serviceable jazz music playing in the room where we were playing pool. Eventually I asked him what the music was and he said it was this Iranian jazz group called "Qajar Jazz". This immediately rang alarm bells in my head cause like, that just doesn't sound like a real name of a jazz group.
And low and-fucking-behold it wasn't a real jazz group, it was AI.
Then I kept digging and found that there are many youtube channels showcasing "authentic Iranian jazz" which is all just AI bullshit. It's especially disgusting considering they're obviously profiteering off of increased interest in Iranian culture because of the war. And so as people like my friends earnestly try to learn more about Iranian music, they get led astray by bastards capitalizing on genuine curiosity. It's absolutely disgusting.
With all that being said though I've been doing a little bit of digging into some real Iranian jazz (Like the tiniest bit, I'm no aficionado on their scene or anything) so here's some actual Iranian jazz albums that deserve your time and money:
حمزه یگانه (Hamzeh Yeganeh) - Davaran
Groovy jazz with lots of uniquely Iranian elements such as the use of the tombak and ney. The compositions are sprawling and intricate, and are reminiscent of Herbie Hancock's 70s output. This is probably the most standard jazz album from Iran that I've heard, the others on this list go to much weirder places. Regardless, I highly recommend this one, super cool stuff.
کوارتت کاسته (Quartet Diminished) - Station One
Great jazz-fusion album with some insane proggy elements mixed in. The music is very dramatic and I remember thinking during the first couple minutes of the first song that it was a bit corny, but by the halfway point of that track I found myself really getting into it. Definitely stick it out and come at this album with an open mind, it has alot to offer and has already become a favourite of mine.
Obad - Suspended
Super exciting jazz-funk album that only got released earlier this year !! It's got tons of crazy time signatures, insane drumming (the first track especially amazes me) and amazing production. Reminds me a bit of King Crimson's jazzier stuff.
Anyways, please support real Iranian musicians, not AI slop. Reblog with your fave jazz albums from Iran too, I would love to hear !! :D