Monday, April 20, 2020

New Music Releases: Fire Orchestra (Mats Gustafsson), Gitkin, Boddhi Satva

Fire Orchestra (Mats Gustafsson) - Actions

An expanded take on the original "Actions" composition – originally recorded by Don Cherry, with composer Krzystof Penderecki – and extended here by original material from reedman Mats Gustafsson! The original recording was a key juncture between two different avant worlds on the European scene – and this updated set is equally powerful – as it features an all-star group of younger improvisers – with Gustafsson on baritone and leading the group – in a lineup that includes Per Texas Johansson on tenor and flute, Christer Bothen on bass clarinet, Anna Hogberg on alto, Marial Berthel on trombone, Reine Fiske on guitar, Alex Zethson on Hammond organ, Torbjorn Zetterberg on electric bass, and Goran Kajfes, Niklas Barno, and Susansa Santos Silva on trumpets! The strong use of trumpets really echoes Cherry's legacy, but there's also a very different vibe to this take on Penderecki's mix of composition and improvisation – one that's maybe more careful, spacious, and thoughtful than the original - a great tribute not just to Gustafsson's legacy, but also the evolution of improvisation over the decades. ~ Dusty Groove


Gitkin - De La Canción 

After two outstanding releases on Wonderwheel Recordings (2018’s “5 Star Motel” LP, and 2019’s “Saint Claude Dash / Chicha Nola” 7”), Gitkin is back with a new EP, along with two remixes from Pimps Of Joytime. “De La” - which features NYC-based singer Carol C - was inspired by the Saharan Tuareg sound, while also embracing Carl C’s Afro-Dominican roots with a beautiful melody and Spanish lyrics. The second track, “Canción De Aplauso,” fuses classic joyful cumbia with 70s Afrobeat, Cuban tumbao, and a bit of middle eastern flavour for good measure. The electric Guild twelve-string guitar sound is reminiscent of Turkish Saz, eliciting a festive vibe that gets the crowd grooving in live sets. Both songs see remixes by The Pimps of Joytime, with “De La” delving further into the trance sound. “Canción De Aplauso” gets a gogo retouch, inspired by Washington DC’s Chuck Brown, with the addition of some 70’s style funk slap bass. Gitkin is the alter ego of Pimps Of Joytime front man and Grammy nominated producer, Brian J. The mysterious hybrid of styles on his first album, 5 Star Motel is both beguiling and enchanting. A style he has dubbed "Outernational Psychedelic Twang". With influences ranging from Peruvian Chicha to 60’s Pakistani surf rock, Gitkin weaves a tapestry of sonic goodness featuring flavorful guitar stylings, hand clapping grooves and intriguing compositions. "It's all funk to me" says Brian J when asked about the eclectic influences of the project. Backed by a stellar cast of musicians, Gitkin has generated a buzz playing exclusive shows in NYC and San Francisco. On stage, the live band delivers a spirited performance, captivating their audiences.


Boddhi Satva - 18

A double-length collection of work from Boddhi Satva – a retrospective of sorts, as the package features tracks from the past 20 years of his career – but maybe more of a special celebration of his talents, as the album brings together special projects, collaborations, and under-exposed mixes and tracks! As with all Boddhi Satva's music, there's a quality here that matches his African roots and role in the contemporary global scene – music that resonates strongly with the vibe of key collaborators on the package – who, with Boddhi Satva, have helped forge a new sense of cross-cultural growth in house music that will continue for years to come. Titles include "Manda Island" by Afefe Iku, "See The Day" by Alton Miller & Boddhi Satva, "Until Our Work It's Done (Boddhi Satva's ancestral rmx)" by Gabriele Poso, "Born Again (Boddhi Satva & Mr V retouch)" by V, ""Moina Ya Mokili" by Boddhi Satva & Abel Tabu, "Into The Shadows (Boddhi Satva ancestral soul rmx)" by Jay Tripwire, "Mama Kosa" by Boddhi Satva & Kaysha, "Kanga Mutu" by Boddhi Satva & Spilulu with H-Baraka, "Sweet Brown Sugar" by Boddhi Satva with E-Man, "The Depth Of The Source" by Boddhi Satva featuring Yuba, "Belma Belma" by Boddhi Satva & Maalem Hammam, "God Is Love (Boddhi Satva ancestral soul mix)" by DJ Pippi vs Danny Marquez with Marcel, and "Bria's Offering" and "Big Theme" by Boddhi Satva himself. ~ Dusty Groove


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