We’re excited to present the second release and first LP on Colectivo Futuro‘s Olindo Records by London based afro-latin jazz quintet Waaju. A project that never stands still, Waaju’s members have been busy as part of other ensembles (Caravela, Bahla, Jordan Rakei, and Ashley Henry to name a few), which means they cherish each time they get to make music together. The five cuts on this LP are a snapshot into the world of Waaju and one that speaks volumes about their intentions.
Ali’s Mali is an ode to the great Malian guitarist Ali Farka Toure, but seen through a different lens, as he did himself in reinventing West African music. His spirit is transcended into the modern soundscape mixed with dub, electronic music and echoes of Cuban batá drumming, reminiscent of the two countries’ cultural exchanges throughout the 20th Century.
The album is released on May 4th via Olindo Records. Pre-order your copy here.
CREDITS:
Ben Brown – Drums & Percussion
Sam Rapley – Tenor saxophone
Tal Janes – Guitar
Joe Downard – Bass
Ernesto Marichales – Congas & Percussion
On tracks 2 & 5: Ben “Dr. Krakeb” Rodney – Krakebs
Artwork by Dora Parra