"I AM NOT HERE TO DRAW ENDLESS PARALLEL LINES. I AM THE POET, THE SINGER OF THE SILVER MOON RHYMES." - GOLNAR SHAHYAR (GolNAr)
Tear Drop was nominated as Debut Album of the year (International) in German Jazz Awards 2023
"Tear Drop" is the bloom of my journey as a woman, a migrant woman, coming from a background that did not allow her to dream of freedom. In touch with my vulnerabilities and pain, I am practicing my truth, power, trust, hope, and dignity in these compositions and poems. This album is the coming together of the worlds I was exposed to in my 38 years of living on this planet and the vision I have about how music should be practiced and how it could sound like. It is where I fully demonstrate my abilities as a vocalist, pianist, composer, arranger, band leader, and producer. The ensemble also consists of musicians who understand displacement, rediscovery, and risk-taking, just like me. We are all improvisers at heart and in practice who can find a sense of freedom and depth even in the simplest forms of music. This album goes beyond the definitions we have of genre and style. It is the closest I could get to my story and in doing so I could only wish it reaches other people’s truth and hearts.
"Tear Drop" is Out now!
Available on all digital platforms. To order a hard copy go to discograohy (Bandcamp Link)
Golnar & Mahan Trio
GOLNAR SHAHYAR (Voice, Piano, Guitar, Synthesiser)
MAHAN MIRARAB (Electric Guitar/Fretless Guitar, Electronics)
AMIR WAHBA (Percussions)
* WOMEX 2020 Showcase Selection
** Global Toronto 2021 Showcase Selection
Multi-instrumental, multi-lingual and transcultural, Golnar & Mahan trio is the definition of a real cosmopolitan band.
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“A Music that transcends geographical and language barrier.” - All About Jazz
“...Singing like a bird, Golnar tweets gracefully on top of the noble masters, Mahan and Amir. Immensely enchanting, Golnar & Mahan’s concert is a real symposium of art and philosophy accompanied with inspiring musical harmony between the band members.” - Danas Newspaper.”
Piano & Voice,
Cello & Voice,
Reflective Hold brings together Iranian musicians Golnar Shahyar (voice, piano, composition) and Atena Eshtiaghi (cello, composition) in a deeply intimate musical dialogue rooted in authenticity, vulnerability, and empathy. Their performances weave personal narratives with collective memory, inviting audiences into a shared human experience.
The repertoire bridges tradition and innovation: Iranian classical art songs are reimagined through contemporary arrangements for voice, cello, and piano, alongside original compositions by both artists. Modern poetry by Shahyar and by pioneering Iranian poets such as Forough Farrokhzad and Nima Yushij intertwines with folk songs from Iran and Afghanistan, expanding the expressive boundaries of Lied and art song.
Created in the spirit of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, Reflective Hold transforms music into an act of resilience and renewal. It is more than a concert—it is a poetic call for dignity, connection, and freedom.