Last Friday was Bandcamp Friday so I did as I always do and headed to the Sahel Sounds page to take advantage of their 'name your own price' offer. I came away with a copy of "Mariage", the second album by Wau Wau Collectif which came out three months ago.
The Collectif is a collaboration between a group of Senegalese musicians and Swedish musician/ producer/ label owner/ weaver of artisan beards Karl Jonas Winqvist. Like its predecessor "Yara Se Doom" the album is a bit of a mish-mash of all sorts - or "stylistically expansive" as the blurb would have it - but in a good way.
Some parts are pretty traditional with just kora and vocals, others have synths and a bit of desert blues guitar. There is a children's chant behind which a groove gradually emerges. And then there are the two tracks I have selected.
The first is almost prog-jazz, while the second sounds like something that Augustus Pablo might have made if he'd been given the xylophone instead of the melodica in his school orchestra. George may wish to note that there are flutes on both.
"Yay Balma" - Wau Wau Collectif
"Yonou Natange" - Wau Wau Collectif
From Wau Wau to Wow Wow. This will mean nothing to any youngsters out there watching it while riding your jet packs.
Prog-jazz and flute, hell's teeth Ernie, these pages will be overwhelmed with visitors.
ReplyDeletePity about the first track being only 3mins 30, it hits a great groove and could have played on it for a good while longer
Both get my vote, Ernie. Just the one Sahel Sounds purchase for me this Bandcamp Friday, the compilation Uchronia: Field Recordings From Alternate Realities, which is an immersive listen. Bow Wow Wow are welcome any day of the week.
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