Baklava Express is a New York City-based cross cultural ensemble led by award wining composer and oud player, Josh Kaye. The group perform original compositions deeply rooted in a rich tapestry of diverse traditions, drawing strong inspiration from the liturgical music of Ashkenazi and Mizrahi communities, Ottoman classical music, and the folk traditions of the wider Mediterranean. Through the seamless fusion of these traditions, Baklava Express crafts a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary, and in doing so, the band builds musical bridges, connecting listeners from diverse backgrounds.
Without a single word spoken, Baklava Express invites listeners into a world where music itself is the common language. Each piece is an invitation to find your own story and emotion within the sound, and audiences from all walks of life often discover that the music feels like a reflection of “home,” no matter where that home may be. In this way, Baklava Express creates a shared space of connection, memory, and cultural harmony, all through the power of instrumental music.
Baklava Express has been featured at several festivals including the Brooklyn International Music Festival, the Greek Jewish Festival, the Nyack Jazz Festival, and their music can be heard on the soundtrack of the short, animated film “Ariel” by Conor Mcfinn. Baklava Express’ debut album, “Dávka” was released in 2023, and their upcoming album, “Sababa” is on track to drop in April of 2026.