Aviva Chernick is a singer whose riveting voice and inviting presence have compelled listeners across the world. Her music has moved between traditional, acoustic World mixes in Judeo-Spanish, Hebrew and English, and plugged in, danceable Global Roots. In her newest recording La Serena (September 2019), Aviva brings her voice to the Balkan Judeo-Spanish repertoire. Together with some of Canada’s top World and Indie artists, Aviva launches a new album that is lush, elegant and beautifully fresh-sounding, while honouring the roots of an established tradition. The band is Aviva Chernick (vocals) with Justin Gray (bass and bass veena), Joel Schwartz (guitar, resonator guitar, mandolin), and Naghmeh Farahmand (Persian percussion). Special guests on the recording are Lyle Molzan (Drums), Ernie Tollar (winds), Maryem Tollar (vocals), Derek Gray (Percussion) and Aaron Lightstone (Oud). Aviva was introduced to Judeo-Spanish (also known as Ladino) while playing with Jaffa Road. The introduction began with music from the Middle East and North Africa, and continued with songs learned from Flory Jagoda (the ‘Mother of the Balkan Ladino Tradition’). The new album reflects a long developing relationship with this repertoire, as well as some additional favourite treasures in Hebrew both original and inherited. Aviva’s collaborative recordings have garnered nominations and awards including a JUNO nominations for both of Jaffa Road’s albums Where The Light Gets In and Sun Place.