Understories

Understories is a genre-defying jazz album by vocalist Julia Úlehla and her ensemble Dálava, featuring guitarist Aram Bajakian, released in 2025 on Pi Recordings as a CD. It seamlessly weaves traditional Moravian folk songs—many sourced and transcribed over a century ago by Úlehla's great-grandfather from his native Czech village—with bold experimental and improvisational soundscapes sung in both Czech and English. The result is a haunting, emotionally charged sonic exploration that transcends time and borders, blending raw authenticity with innovative studio arrangements and genre-bending creativity.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] This continuation of Dálava's adventurous journey, following their acclaimed 2017 release The Book of Transfigurations, invites listeners into diverse experimental realms through subtle and intense textures. Joined by cellist Peggy Laflamme and violinist Josh Zubot, the Vancouver-based group crafts a singular experience fusing disparate traditions into vivid, immersive narratives that honor folk roots while pushing sonic boundaries with fearless improvisation and artistic daring.[1][3][5][7]