“Soniquete: The Sensational Sound Of Gecko Turner” features
13 classic cuts selected from his previous four long-players on Spanish label
Lovemonk, plus a brand new track. The record includes heavyweight guests like
the mighty UK vocalist Eska, Brazilian and flamenco percussionist Rubem Dantas
and Cuban pianist Javier ‘Caramelo’ Masso.
Gecko
Turner‘s artistry as vocalist, multi instrumentalist and arranger shines
through a global melange of styles from West African disco to hot-stepping
Caribbean descargas. There are sounds and textures of all persuasions –
mini-moog, clavinet and mbira sit alongside the cajon and other Latin and
Brazilian percussions, yet it’s the use of Gecko’s language that truly sets his
songs apart; the way he twists words and sentences so they become one with the
melodies.
Singing in
English, Spanish and a tongue only Gecko is privvy to, where local slang,
foreign lingo and ‘made up’ words poetically combine, his songs always come
with a nudge and a wink. The way he records, writes, composes and produces
everything results in something he calls “soniquete”, a word often used in
flamenco to refer to the rhythm and sound. A case in point is the debut single
and signature Gecko tune “Un Limón En La Cabeza”, originally released in 2003.
“Soniquete”
is a snapshot of an artist who lives, works and plays with wild abandon, caring
little for music industry norms or the big city, much preferring his
Extremadura outpost by the Guadiana river. With a life philosophy learned from
his experiences ‘on the road’, he absorbs jazz, global music and literature.
With the help of a guitar or a piano, blistering sunshine, a wee dram and a
puff of smoke, Gecko is an expert at turning inspiration into expression,
clever word play and writing incredibly addictive songs.
The album
release coincides with the vinyl represses of his previous albums “Guapapasea!”
(2003) and “Chandalismo Ilustrado” (2006).
“Soniquete”
out October 12th on CD / Digital download via Lovemonk Records.
No comments:
Post a Comment