Handpicked by Seb Pitman
Trio Da Kali & Kronos Quartet – Ladilikan [World Circuit; 2017]
The ever-eclectic Kronos Quartet teamed up with Trio Da Kali, a triumph of a triumvirate descended from Malian musical royalty, to produce an album of both danceable rhythms and contemplative melancholy. The broad griot grooves, combined with soaring strings, gave us a highly authentic piece of work. At times, there is the quality of a cinematic score, at others an echoing of slavery’s spirituals and early gospel music. Whatever your interpretation, this is a work of outstanding beauty.
La Chiva Gantiva – Vivo [Crammed Discs; 2014]
Formed in Brussels, this raucous collective is comprised of musicians from Colombia, Belgium, France and Vietnam and, as hybrids go, the alchemy is both thrilling and imposing. Driven by some powerful percussion, Vivo hits us with strands of funk, Spanish rap, Klezmer and, in the title track, as well as ‘El Valor Tiene Mareo’, a rocky energy that bears more than a passing resemblance to vintage Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Like swimming the length of a pool, underwater and on one breath, there’s very little time for relaxing while listening to this album. It’s designed to excite. If you can’t see them live (their shows are something to behold), this is the next best thing.
Various Artists – John Armstrong Presents South African Funk Experience [Nascente; 2010]
Featuring a host of top names from the region, this LP sits in my list as the only compilation due to its extreme vibrancy and highly informed curation. From the 12-minute epic, ‘Zandile Jive’ by Lulu & His Boys & Girls to the explosive disco-funk of Teaspoon & The Waves with ‘Oh Yeh Soweto’, DJ and all-round music aficionado Armstrong illuminates our path through South African funk. It shows us there’s so much more to this country’s musical richness than just Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. ‘Hula Hoop Jive’ by Kataki is another stand-out track, one that has echoes of Paul Simon’s Graceland and also reputedly turned Malcolm McClaren on to the sound of mbaqanga.
The Souljazz Orchestra – Inner Fire [Strut Records; 2014]
Canadian troupe, The Souljazz Orchestra, have been delivering their own brand of tropical funk for almost 20 years and in 2014 they gave us this scorching release. Inner Fire showcases their entire ethos, with the soulful afrobeat of ‘One Life To Live’ celebrating one’s very own existence and the searing ‘Agoya’, with its hot Latin flavour, highlighting the group’s versatility. As an extra treat, there’s a tremendous cover of Gary Bartz’ 1971 classic, ‘Celestial Blues’. As with La Chiva Gantiva, this is another band who will not disappoint when you see them in the flesh.
Daymé Arocena – Cubafonia [Brownswood Recordings; 2017]
For such a small island, Cuba certainly can boast some of the finest music and musicians we have known. The likes of Celia Cruz, Compay Segundo and Mario Bauza, to name but a few have passed on the torch to a new generation. Asere and Roberto Fonseca are prime examples, but chief among the new breed is the immeasurable talent of Daymé Arocena. Her unique take on Cuban music dips its toe in the jazz and soul waters with a regularity that allows her to be considered as a crossover artist. Her 2017 album, Cubafonia, is a stellar piece of work that also showcases her songwriting capabilities. Still only 27, the best is likely yet to come from Arocena, although this record has plenty to enthral us for some time yet.