Hailing from Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus, Buzz’ Ayaz has concocted incandescent Eastern Mediterranean psychedelia. The members of the group, based on both sides of the green line, seek through their Music to give a voice to this fractured city. They compose an urban soundscape of electronics, 70s organ, bass clarinet, amplified folk instruments, traditional rhythms and Greek and Anatolian melismas that resonate above the concrete walls and sound stations. control.
Buzz Ayaz, Buzz AyazModulor Records.
2. Adédèji, «Lagos Blues»
Adédèji Adetayo is a great voice. Nigerian singer and guitarist, he has performed with the great master of Afrobeat Tony Allen, and recorded with Lionel Loueke and Keziah Jones. With his latest album, he returns to the heart of his roots. The result? Progressive jazz-funk, influenced by vintage Afrobeat and eclectic Yoruba sounds, which reflect his years spent in Lagos, his hometown.
Adedèji, Yoruba OdysseyOne World Records.
3. Justin Adams, Mauro Durante, “Ghost Train”
The first is a phenomenal guitarist and producer, the second violinist and singer of the historic Apulian group the Canzonieregrecanico salentino. Together, they merge two universes: The riffs of the electric guitar rub against the rhythm of the pizzica. English mixes with Italian. All the darkness of rock illuminated by the musical tradition of Mezzogiono.
Justin Adams and Mauro Durante, Sweet ReleasePonderosa Music Records.
4. Barrut to Demiurge
In the south west of France, vines are cultivated like vines. There are 7 of them precisely to form a robust polyphony which draws its vigor from popular singing and traditional rhythms. the expression of his revolt of a music constantly stretched above the madness of the world, Barrut walks in this exhilarating, festive and subversive interstice.
Barrut, The part of the Storm, Tanin Record.
5. Kamakan, «Jaar»
Finding comfort in the torments of war in dance and music, singer, guitarist and percussionist Mehdi Saki made his own Arabic lullabies. Originally from Tehran, he forms Kamakan, a contemporary folk project bringing together musicians from the independent scene. The group weaves links between the musical traditions of southern Iran, Arab and Persian heritage. Their first album established itself as a musical symbol of Iranian youth. Although their second album faced release hurdles in Iran, their latest album IS was finally released in September 2023.
cook, Is”, Label not cleared.
6. House of Waters, «Improv 4»
For sixteen years, Max ZT (hammered dulcimer, a cousin of the Voges spinet) and Moto Fukushima (six-string electric bass) have merged their language through this unusual instrumentation. A refreshing musical intersection between jazz and progressive rock, made of fiery, soft and intense resonance. For their project On Becomingthey are joined by Argentinian drummer Antonio Sanchez. The trio is nominated for Grammy Awards.
House of WatersOn Becoming, GroundUp Music LLC.
