HJ (Hector Javier) Ayala is a free-jazz/experimental guitarist originally from Mexico who is now residing in Strasbourg, France. His new release is experimental in the most relaxed and mellow sense of the word. A truly enjoyable release, especially since not only does HJ have his own style, but he references artists such as John Scofield, John Abercrombie (may his name be eternal) and even John Fahey (also, memory eternal). Gorgeous but challenging material here.
New Releases
[Music] Joe Claussell feat. Daymé Arocena – Yambú (Sacred Rhythm Mix)
Veteran Deep House producer and dance icon Joe Claussell takes on Cuba’s most popular export at the moment, Daymé Arocena, and makes an amazing track that much meatier and more danceable.
[Music] A.M Ferrari Fradejas – Requiem No. 2
We’re treated to the year’s first Bandcamp surprise, thanks to our beloved friend A.M Ferrari Fradejas, currently based in Barcelona, Spain.
Despite its 13-minute length, the composition packs a lot of time changes, churning guitars, an eerie choral section reminding one of a solstice ritual melded with her trademark progressive/improvisational sound. I hope that either a full album is forthcoming soon, or that works in this style are further expanded upon.
Blissful!
[Music] Cyril Cyril – Colosse de Rhodes 7″ Single
Two gentlemen named Cyril (Cyril Yeterian: Banjo, Guitar, Organ, Vocals and Cyril Bondi: Percussions, Vocals) make a wonderful fusion between Western and Arabic/Maghrebi music.
Thanks to Les Disques Bongo Joe, a Swiss label specializing in releasing such 7-inch titles.
[Music] King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Polygondwanaland
Australia’s King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard cross all sorts of genres so heavily that they are nearly impossible to categorize. The band move around easily in alternative music, psychedelic rock, prog, surf (not as weird as it sounds, to be honest) and garage rock.
This album is a freebie, and, as it turns out, one of their best works. Give it a listen and be converted.
[Music] Karolina Ossowska & Jeff Gburek – The Falls of Hyperion
The incredibly prolific Jeff Gburek, currently based in Poland and partnering with violinist Karolina Ossowska, put together their latest labor of love, and though I don’t normally engage in Top-Ten lists for year’s end, I think it fair to say that this release is his most beautifully crafted, most thoughtful and profound releases.
The album was recorded in Romania and Poland between September 2016 and October 2017. On top of the incredible range of instrumentation, there are many field recordings which give a life to each track that one rarely finds in experimental music.
Of particular interest are the spoken word portions of Track #4, Hyperions 4 (Lift Not The Painted Veil). From the notes left by Gburek and Ossowska, the first text is a piece written by Percy Bysshe Shelley bearing the same name. The second is a work penned by Gburek himself. Both are read with a warm but darkened tone which envelops the listener as much as the instrumentation does.
Easily one of 2018’s best releases, regardless of genre.
[Music] Various Artists – Z Tapes Sampler 2017
For many years, I gave up bothering listening to what was laughably termed “alternative” music. That was because it was pretty much the same boring swill that major labels were serving up, and I have far better things to waste my time and money on.
Thankfully, Slovakian record label Z Tapes has given me a reason to come back to hearing indie rock. They are constantly releasing music that is interesting, thoughtful, and on occasion, cheery.
This compilation is a freebie, so jump on it ASAP. It’s a nice intro to a fascinating record label.
[Music] Bandcamp Daily: The Best Albums of 2017
Here are this year’s (disappointing, as usual) Bandcamp toppers of 2017. No Santiago Fradejas. No A.M. Ferrari-Fradejas. Nor Jeff Gburek. Nor Marco Lucchi. Nor Noël Akchoté. Nor so many other deserving artists who don’t offer up a plate of decent, non-offensive pseudo-soul, hip-hop or tacky dance music. Ah, well.
For your perusal, click on the links below. You WILL find some gems in here.
[Music] Various Artists – Ocean of Sound – The 3rd Annual Report Volumes I & II
Words fail to describe just how important Raffaele Pezzella’s contribution to dark ambient music is. He has singlehandedly curated compilations from artists as far away as Russia, Iceland, Iran and seemingly all points in-between while concentrating on his own venerable work. These two compilations house 229 tracks covering the best of the bleakest, blackest ambient available at the moment!
[Music] Mamadou Diabate, Dramane Dembélé, Claudio Spieler – Barokan
The month of September was rather spectacular for me. First, I was able to see my beloved friends in Skopje, Macedonia, where people are almost as close as my own blood relatives. The next little joy I experienced was going to the Without Borders World Music Consortium, where I had the pleasure to re-connect with comrades who spend their days promoting the best of World and Ethno Music in their respective countries.
I am especially indebted to seeing Stefanie Schumann of Delicious Tunes, who introduced me to the work of Mamadou Diabate, a balofon player originally from Burkina Faso (now residing in Vienna, Austria, if I’m not mistaken). After being blown away by his band, who were showcased on the final evening of Without Borders (along with Breton sensations Plantec), I was given a CD which featured not only Mamadou and fellow countryman, the pelu (flute) player Dramane Dembélé and Austrian percussionist Claudio Spieler.
After having the honor of meeting Mamadou, I was given some rather impressive background information. He comes from a Samba “Jeli” family, and has several works available (all of which we hope to review in the future).
Throughout the disc, the musicians play very comfortably together, as if they had been a trio for a long time. As it turns out, Mamadou and Dramane perform together with some frequency, but Claudio’s percussion work underpins the the balafon and peul beautifully.
Where the album shines, however, is when Mamadou sings, especially on the song Koroya. His voice, in harmony with Dramane’s reminds me of the best of West African music, and the balafon adds even more body, serving, in some sense, as a third voice.
The record is pretty much flawless, and will we a welcome addition to World Music connoisseurs into their collection. To purchase the CD, either contact Mamadou directly, or Delicious Tunes.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 