Zafarán is a dynamic Boston-based quartet made up of Italian vocalist Carmen Marsico, multi- instrumentalist Dan Meyers (woodwinds), drummer and composer Giuseppe Paradiso (percussion), and tradition-spanning plucked string player Tev Stevig (guitar, oud).The group is devoted to exploring the rich and vibrant musical traditions of the Mediterranean, celebrating centuries of artistic exchange across its lands and waters.

Drawing inspiration from Southern Italian chants, Sephardic love songs, Romani laments, and Turkish and Greek folk melodies, Zafarán creates a sound that is both deeply rooted and strikingly contemporary. Driving rhythms, soulful improvisation, and the commanding vocals of award-winning singer Carmen Marsico come together to weave stories that transcend borders and time. Through a captivating blend of traditional and modern repertoire, the ensemble bridges cultures and generations—sharing the spirit of the Mediterranean and a vision of a future based on celebrating the common threads between diverse peoples.

Founded in 2020, the ensemble released its debut album, Zafarán, in April 2025, marking a milestone in their evolving musical journey. 

The word "zafarán" comes from Arabic via old Persian, meaning "yellow" or "saffron". The most precious of all spices, saffron has been cultivated in the Mediterranean basin since ancient times. In Lucania, Carmen's native region, the local dialect uses "zafarán" to refer to the long, sweet red peppers from Senise (Italy), famous throughout Italy and beyond.
https://www.zafaranmusic.com