It's fair to say that the original Mala in Cuba LP was one of last year's most significant releases. However one surprising fall-out of the albums success is the subsequent shortage of remixes, particularly considering the nature of the production and source material.
With that in mind, up step Simbad alongside the man himself for a fairly full on re-working of the fairly placid album closer single 'Noches Suenos'. The 'Mala & Simbad Super Dub' is fairly deceptive from the outset, with a nod to all things dub in the intro. That changes pretty quickly though, and whilst the hard hitting bassline is introduced in a stark manner, the track definitely benefits from a few spins as well as the syncopated arrangement that comes later.
Limited to 1000 10" copies only (no digital release) you can pre-order the vinyl here. If only we had some sun, this would do the trick quite nicely.
Confirmation of the Shangaan Electro UK tour and workshop dates has been provided by the guys at Qu Junktions. There is plenty of good news in that the series of live dates have been set in stone up and down the country, but there is no dance workshop for any London based fans.
Check out the poster above for a full range of details. And if you don't know what any of this means, I have put the video for the first Shangaan track I ever heard below in an attempt to incite the vast range of emotions I experienced immediately post-discovery.
Now on to it's 6th release (ATFA006) Brian Shimkovitz 'Awesome Tapes From Africa' label has set quite the benchmark. Following on from such releases as 'Na Hawa Doumbia' (ATFA001) and the 'Dur Dur Band' LP (ATFA005), the next offering is due on 25th June. Taking the form of a reissue by 'Hailu Mergia', 'Hailu Mergia & His Classical Instrument' is preceded by album track 'Shilela' which you can download for free right now.
You might have read about this release already and will no doubt have heard at least some of it as a result, but that doesn't mean you should let it pass you by. Ensuring the nature of the 'Awesome Tapes' is kept varied, this synth led jam is completely infectious and warrants immediate repeat listens. In what is most definitely a positive sign of things to come, all you have to do now is wait until the end of the month for the full LP.
Mark Ernestus is on fire right now. His Jeri-Jeri project is thrashing out releases of the very highest quality at a rate that is proving pretty tricky to keep up with. Following on from vocal appearances from some relative unknowns throughout the series so far (Mbene Diatta Seck and Ale & Khadim Mboup to name but a few) he has now begun to roll out the big boys.
'Gawlo' - released today - sees the addition of the mighty Baaba Maal. Backed with the melodic, bass driven 'Lignou Mome' and Sabar led Ndeye Gueye (featuring the seemingly infamous Doudou N'Diaye Rose) this release is instantly pitched up there with the best of its predecessors.
Slotted over on the Ndagga website between the news of European live dates in June (none in the UK unfortunately) and the announcement of two full length LP's - 'Ndagga Versions' and '800% Ndagga' - there is a video for Gawlo featuring Baaba Maal himsel, Modou Mbaye (tama drum), Fatou Mboup and the incredible 'Sidy Diop' (dancers).
You can also watch videos that appear to have been shot during the recording of the project. Interspersed with footage of the locals and studio environment, they really are an incredible insight into what is a mindblowing set of recordings. The fact that this music is being made right now, and mastered in such an honest way with such integrity, really is a special thing. These are just two of them.
There seems to be an understandably low level of expectation (even if only in my head) of many contemporary UK based acts claiming to create 'World' or African music. The general approach tends to be predominantly based around a slightly abstract form of Afrobeat, which is probably understandable when you consider the aspirational context of the music.
Refreshingly the inevitable feeling of trepidation when the debut 'Fofoulah' EP landed was imeediately banished on the first listen. Despite the fact that 4 of the 6 members originate from the UK, the balance brought to the project by Biram Seck (Vocals, Senegal) and Kaw Secka (The Gambia) is unavoidable.
The styles, influences and tempo's are presented with such variety that each track on 'Bene Bop' is almost a direct contrast to it's predecessor. In stead of the aforementioned inevitability of an Afrobeat structure, the predominant genre on display seems to be related to the Senegalese 'Mbalax' previously heard in Mark Ernestus' 'Jeri Jeri' project. However the variety of both styles and influences on show mean that this release should be considered so much more than a watered down representation of traditional Senegalese and Gambian griot music.
Additionally there's a remix of the track 'Fofoulah' by Tumbleweave favourites Soundspecies. The final offering on the release, it is quite the abstract version employing some obscure drum patterns to provide a suitably eclectic finale to a positively eccentric EP.
Check out the Fofoulah Bandcamp page here to grab your copy of the 'Bene Bop' release, and watch the video below for a quick intro to the project.
Bene Bop EP
1. Bene Bop 03:54
2. Fofoulah 04:46
3. My Heart 05:50
4. Gadaiy 06:05
5. Balou Nala 03:11
6. Fofoulah (Soundspecies Remix) 05:45
This is an album which may not immediately sit that naturally with the music posted her, but the influences and level of execution warrant its inclusion. Jaimeo Brown is first and foremost a jazz drummer, and although this is my first encounter with him it is immediately apparent that his talents are not limited to the sticks.
The basic idea behind 'Transendence' is the embellishment of early spiritual vocal samples from across Africa, Asia and America. However that brief attempt at a summary does not do any justice to the intricate, delicate, and emotive results that are produced. The addition of saxophonist JD Allen and guitarist Chris Sholar to the arrangement - all orchestrated by Jamieo Brown himself on drums - is an inspired approach.
Whilst the album's structure may appear to be nothing but freeform on the initial listens, there are underlying elements in each of the samples that dictate the direction of each track and result in a type of 'Jazz' that is as refreshing as it is ingenious. Perhaps the easiest track to relate to is 'Power of God', however album finale 'This World Ain't My Home' is an equally solid representation of the approach. Incidentally, you can check out a video of 'This World...' below. Enjoy.
There have only been 2 releases on the Matsuli Music label to date, and the high regards with which I still hold one of them is testament to the quality of the materail. The 'Batsumi' re-issue was again made available in 2011, and although the wait for another album has been a lengthy one it seems like it should be well worth it.
Originally recorded in 1976 'African Songbird' is seemingly regarded as a classic LP in terms of spiritual jazz. The 3 tracks are available to stream below, and although the quality is obviously limited what is immediately apparent is the staggering quality of Sathima Bea Benjamin's voice. In true modal style the opening track 'Africa' comes in at over 20 minutes long and contributes to the vast majority of the albums length, and is followed by an acapella ('Music') and then the title track itself.
Have a look at the video below (which I assume was shot with the re-issue in mind) and check the link here if you wish to pre-order the LP. Additionally if you are so inclined, there is a launch party for the album ahead of its June release date on 25th May in Bow, East London. More details here.
In celebration of the Kenya Special compilation being released on Soundway, two of the 5 contributors to the track list (namely Fredrik Lavik and Afro7) have put together a mix for Clash magazine. The selection is as eclectic as you might expect after hearing the release itself, and comes with the snap, crackle and pop of the tired wax that was used in the process.
There is a LOT to learn from both the compilation and this supporting selection - the broad nature of styles on offer far surpasses any other compilations of a similar nature. The phrase 'crate-digging' has perhaps never been as apt as it is here, and the supporting photo of Frederik (as included in the original Clash magazine article) supports that theory.
Check out the mix as soon as you can, and I defy you not to re-visit over the weekend. This is one that will no doubt take some time to appreciate.
Just a quick heads up regarding a tasty free track from Paris-based selector and producer Emile Omar. Courtesy of Tumbleweave favourites Sofrito, this is nothing more than a slice of summertime heat for the weather we are so in need of. You can grab the 'Pavillon Edit' of the Guadeloupean cadence track right here.
Incidentally you may have also missed another freebie courtesy of Hugo Mendez and co which was made available in advance of the upcoming 'Sofrito Spring Special' party. Get hold of that here, and make sure you get down to London Fields on 18th May if you are around. Vibes a plenty.
What more could you want now the arctic conditions have at long last been banished (from London at least) than a mix tape jam packed full of Tanzanian big-band 'musiki wa dansi' ('dance music').
Put together for Okay Africa's 'Africa In Your Earbuds' series by 'Radio Tanzania' , the mix comprises mainly of 7"s' found in a Dar-es-Salaam record shop. You can read more about the Radio Tanzania project here, or if you aren't up for tackling that check out the video below. There is also some background behind the mix itself (and the digging involved) here, which is an essential (and fairly brief) read.
Africa In Your Earbuds no. 42 (Radio Tanzania)
1. JUMA KILAZA & ORCHESTRA TK- LUMPOPO NATIONAL 73 – Subi Subi No. II (Saba Saba Records, 1973) – Country : Tanzania
2. JAMHURI JAZZ BAND – Taifa Cup, (Philips, 1974) – Country : Tanzania
3. ORCHESTRE L’INTERNATIONAL AFRISA – Aon (African Records, 1973) Zaire
4. MBARAKA MWINSHEHE & ORCH. SUPER VOLCANO – Shida (FKW, 19??), Country : Tanzania
5. VIJANA JAZZ BAND – Koko Koko no 1 – (Moto Moto, 1975) Country : Tanzania
6. URAFIKI JAZZ BAND – Nakutafuta Sikuoni (Kwetu, 1976) Country : Tanzania
7. AFRO 70 BAND – Kwa Vile Nakupenda – Country : Tanzania
8. SIMARRO MASSIYA – Maya Ozali Coupable Ya Misere Na Ngai – (ASL 1985) Country : Zaire
9. VIJANA JAZZ BAND – Miaka Mingi (Moto Moto 1975) Country : Tanzania
10. MSONDO NGOMA – Viva a Frelimo (pt 2 ) (Kwetu 1976), Country : Tanzania
11. JAMHURI JAZZ BAND – Mganga, (Philips, 1973) – Country : Tanzania
12. VIJANA JAZZ BAND – Urijani Mwema (Moto Moto 1975) Tanzania
