Best of January 2023.
It's not exactly the beginning of the month, but it's never too late for a reminder of what I listened to the most last month. In January, my focus was mostly on these nine albums - seven from 2024 and two from the previous year that I somehow overlooked until now.
Aga Khan Master Musicians - Nowruz (Smithsonian Folkways 2024.)
The story behind Aga Khan Master Musicians is interesting. They originated as part of the Aga Khan Trust For Culture, whose mission is to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the Middle East, Africa and the Far East and to connect this regions with Western countries. I don't know how successful this foundation is, but the musicians have done an excellent job. Six musicians from different regions have recorded a wonderful album that draws on the traditions of the Middle East, Western and Central Asia, China and the Mediterranean. All lovers of instrumental, somewhat ambient music will enjoy this album.
Aron And The Jeri Jeri Band - Dama Bëgga Ñibi (I Want To Go Home) (Urban Trout 2024.)
Aron And The Jeri Jeri Band is a group founded in Berlin by Senegalese musician Bakane Seck and New Zealand producer Aron Ottignon. "Dama Bëgga Ñibi" could best be described as a fusion of Senegalese mbalax with various electronic rhythms, or rather Afrofuturism. The album is characterised by an excellent mix of traditional and modern elements and also features outstanding guest appearances, including Baaba Maal, Sidi Diop and Toufa Mbaye.
Cherry Bandora – Back to the Taverna (Rumi Sounds/Repel Up Records 2023.)
The German band Cherry Bandora has excellently described their sound on their Bandcamp, so I'll just convey it here: Cherry Bandora is a jewish oriental princess. This underground bellydancer found her golden band playing the squares and markets of Berlin, reviving 50’ and 60’ mediterranean classics with surf rock influences.
Club Makumba - Sulitânia Beat (Selfreleased 2024.)
I am deeply connected to Club Makumba's first, self-titled album of the Club Makumba. I've listened to it many times, perhaps too many, and their hypnotic afro-jazz-rock has impressed me so much that I've declared this album the best release of 2022. It's clear why I had high expectations for the new album, and "Sulitânia Beat" lived up to all those expectations. Club Makumba haven't made any revolutionary changes, just as their music isn't revolutionary. But everything they do, the ease with which they deliver a tremendous amount of energy, sometimes makes me want to start a revolution. I really love this band.
Dieuf-Dieul de Thiès - Dieuf-Dieul de Thiès (Buda Musique 2024.)
Dieuf-Dieul de Thiès was one of those well-kept secrets of African music that was first heard about a decade ago when the first compilations of this group, active in Senegal in the 1980s, were released. After the word about them spread around the world, some of the original members revived the band and recorded new material, which is now being released by Buda Musique. Dieuf-Dieul de Thiès has lost none of their energy – this is a brilliant album from a band that blends a musical style rooted in the tradition of the Mandinka people with psychedelic guitars and afrobeat.
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Katerina Papadopoulou & Aegean Arc – Aura (Saphrane Records 2024.)
Katerina Papadopoulou, on the album "Aura," continues her journey through Greek heritage. Accompanied by brilliant musicians gathered under the name Aegean Arc, Papadopoulou interprets songs from the shores and islands of the Aegean Sea on this album. "Aura" is an emotional and impeccably played album that takes you on a beautiful journey through Greek tradition
Konkolo Orchestra - Future Pasts (Rocafort Records 2024.)
Konkolo Orchestra comes from Switzerland and is another band influenced by afrobeat and highlife blending it with various other styles. Over the past few years, they have released several interesting singles, and now they have finally released their first album on Rocafort Records.
Lina_ - Fado Camões (Galileo Music 2024.)
Lina_ first caught my attention when she recorded a joint album with Raul Refree, on which they completely deconstructed fado in an exciting and intimate way. On the new album, she returns to a slightly more classical style of fado, but without falling into the trap of a conventional interpretation of one of the world's most popular traditional musical styles. Producer Justin Adams has made sure that her voice takes center stage, which is always a good plan, and the musical background is somewhat classical, but at the same time not outdated. I am not the biggest fan of fado music, but this album is on my players a lot and will certainly be for a long time to come.
Yīn Yīn - Mount Matsu (Glitterbeat Records 2024.)
Yīn Yīn has returned with another fantastic album that combines influences from the music of the Far East and tropical islands with funk, disco and psychedelic guitars. The description may not be the best, but the overall result is that Yīn Yīn will have you dancing every time you listen to them. You can dance at home with the stream/CD/vinyl, but it's even better to do it live. You will have the opportunity to do so on March 6 in Zagreb, when Yīn Yīn come to Močvara.
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