iyatraQuartet’s new musical journey into the Wild Green

The ‘Wild Green’ is an enchanting exploration of the beauty and strength of the cycles of the natural world, sung in English, Occitan (medieval French) and Middle English

iyatraQuartet—pronounced “eye-at-ra”—take their name from the Hindi word “yatra”, meaning journey or pilgrimage. Their new album ‘Wild Green’ is a deep musical exploration of the cycles of nature inspired by the vivid greenness of springtime. Their journey into the ‘Wild Green’ is an enchanting exploration of the beauty and strength of the cycles of the natural world, sung in English, Occitan (medieval French) and Middle English.

Just as nature bursts forth with new life and seasonal changes, iyatraQuartet’s fresh ambience on ‘Wild Green’ has been fully inspired by the rhythm of the natural world. Clarinetist George Sleightholme describes the setting for the album´s inspiration,

“The creative seeds for ‘Wild Green’ were planted during a series of rehearsals and performances while playing outdoors throughout the year in the gardens surrounding South London’s Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses. It was inspiring to be surrounded by various stages of growth and decay, with the sun and moon in the sky above. The album covers the natural cycle of the year, focusing on spring.”

From the sea to the strawberry moon and back, ‘Wild Green’ is steeped in ambient freshness. This is especially evident on the standout track “New Life” on which iyatraQuartet embrace this: “New life dancing in the sunlight/Taking delight in the equilibrium/The story has just begun…”. The album´s titular track also encapsulates the entire ethos of the album, in praise of the greenness of nature and the cycle of life that it contains.

☞ Listen to Wild Green ☜

They have performed together for the last twelve years— violin virtuoso Alice Barron, master clarinetist George Sleightholme, leading cellist Rich Phillips and global fusion percussion maestro, Will Roberts — blending together alt-folk roots music on orchestral instruments with jazz fusions and captivating 4-part vocals.

‘Wild Green’ was co-produced by iyatraQuartet and Les Mommsen and recorded at Lightship 95 Studio, formerly a floating lighthouse, now a securely moored, floating studio on the River Thames with state-of-the-art equipment and capability. iyatraQuartet chose the perfect place for a truly immersive recording experience, one that would assist in capturing the beauty, originality and wildness of the natural world. The album cover photo was taken by Jonny Hughes, with graphic design by Teresa Marraco and title and track listing text by London’s renowned illustrator, Alban Low. ‘Wild Green’ was self-released on 11 April, 2025 and has been very well received.

“Environmental chamber music from the iyatraQuartet’s album ‘Wild Green’” Hannah Peel, Night Tracks, BBC Radio 3

“iyatraQuartet’s brilliant musicianship and astounding virtuosity is so uplifting and mind-nourishing” FolkWales Online

“Alice Barron (violin), Rich Phillips (cello), George Sleightholme (clarinet) and Will Roberts (percussion) truly create a unique, historically grounded, but new universe with their chamber music and gripping vocal parts.” **** 4-stars from Ivan Rod

“A fluid and fresh album, full of moonlight, solar heat and marine flavor” Blogfoolk

“... The musicianship first rate … living, breathing music that reflects the imaginative surroundings and themes of the ensemble as they mould chamber music, the classical, the pastoral, folklore and folk music to their own unique signature of the felt and stirring.” Monolith Cocktail

“The project has impressive virtuosity and captivates the listener from the very first listen – simply through the extraordinary sound and harmonious interplay of voices and instruments. Those who listen more closely will discover a wealth of unusual and fascinating musical nuances. A beautiful album that is a must-listen.”

Jazz.Fun.de

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3APL8TVE9O8

You can read more about ´Wild Green´ on iyatraQuartet´s website, and follow their journey on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.