We're Unwinding to saxist Hayden Chisholm who we're also looking forward to hearing on a brand new recording this spring with Kit Downes and a choir from the Balkans. Also in today's podcast there's word on gig of the week, the key albums (so far) in February and thoughts spent searching for the Philosopher's Gold. Hayden Chisholm, photo: press
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If you listen to nothing apart from Street of Minarets this month then you will have enough stimulation in the mental larder and food for thought to keep you going no worries at all for weeks if not years. A journey to the urge within from the muezzin-like call on the opener via the beautiful Herbie Hancock solo on 'Bal d'âme' oud master Dhafer Youssef is on outrageously vibrant form. It's in a different league given the composure, sense of space and meaningfulness of just about every note. Ambrose Akinmusire is superb on 'SharQ Serenade' while there is a who's who of top players used significantly to effect including the great Marcus Miller and Dave Holland. Understandably the bass sound is very significant in the flow and for fuck's sake it's Vinnie Colaiuta at the kit and you can't get a better driving jazz-rock player anywhere than the Vin man. It doesn't get any better at the moment. 'Herbie's Dance' is a metrical tour de force and Dhafer manages to sing from his soul and keep it real. There is nothing trite anywhere on this record where the spirit of the Maghreb feeds into a universal consciousness. Remember where you were when you heard this remarkable monument to all these great players' artistry and spirit first. Oh and don't neglect to absorb the awesome groove on 'Sudra Funk'. Dhafer Youssef, photo: press
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