Reflecting on the contemporary yet timeless struggles of physical and ideological displacement, Valia Calda’s music draws inspiration from the themes of migration and exile.

The group emerged into the London jazz scene in 2013, led by guitarist Nikos Ziarkas (Theon Cross, Chelsea Carmichael, Moses Boyd) and Thodoris Ziarkas (Yazz Ahmed, Savina Yannatou, Electric Litany). Their music is rooted in the folk music of Epirus (Greece) and psychedelic jazz, which also tangles with punk inspired guitar riffs and modal improvisations. The Greek brothers forming the backbone of the compositions are joined by the innovative and acclaimed musicians: James Allsopp on the saxophone (Dr. John, Nostalgia77, Polar Bear), Sam Warner on the trumpet (Ariwo, Riot Jazz), and drummer Gaspar Sena (Alfa Mist, Maria Chiara Argirò).

Back from the silence of the pandemic the band explores a new sonic universe in their new album Homeland coming out in May 2023, following their acclaimed release Methexis in 2018, voted best Jazz on Bandcamp and UK Vibe for 2018. Their debut EP release in 2013 established the band in the scene for which the LondonJazz News wrote : “It’s wonderful to hear the two worlds of freedom and space; discipline and musical intelligence brought together”.

Valia Calda integrates a diverse spectrum of sounds, mixing in their long meditative improvisations, psychedelic aesthetics with elements from folk traditions and explosive drum beats. Always widening their perspectives and maintaining a creative approach, the band explores collectively how to expand the group’s musical boundaries.

The band has toured internationally, performing at established venues and festivals such as the London Jazz Festival, BBC Late Proms, Cambridge Jazz Festival, Royal Albert Hall, Vortex Jazz Club, and their music has been featured in main radios in the US and Europe including BBC Radio 3, ERT 3, NPR, Jazz FM, KEXP, Radio Krimi, Balami Radio amongst others.