World history books remind us that the mountainous region of Eastern Europe known as the Balkans has endured countless wars and upheavals. Yet there is an enduring sense of joy in the traditional music of these countries that transcends political strife and has the ability to cross cultures, unite people of all origins and races and offer hope of a better world. On her beautifully romantic new album Balkan Soul, Zana Messia---a native of the former Yugoslavia who now lives in Los Angeles—joins forces with an ensemble of top L.A. musicians (The Balkan Soul Orchestra) to share a unique musical journey that combines her lifelong love of traditional jazz with the spirit of the Balkan Roma music that first captivated her as a child. The exotic and sensual, genre-defying collection was executive produced by Harvey Mason, who has been the backbone of contemporary jazz group Fourplay for over 20 years; the legendary jazz drummer also plays drums, per...