Drummer Daniel Freedman leads an exotic and warm team of Lionel Loueke/g-voc, Fason Lindner/p-key, Omer Avital/b-oud and Gilmar Gomes/perc through some thoughtful and moving originals and one indie cover. Of the latter, Radiohead’s “Codex” is a cleverly arranged piece, opening ambiently quiet before Loueke’s electric guitar starts with Freedman for some rocking assertiveness.
The team knows how to create subtle grooves, with an exotic feel on “Big In Yemen” including Avital on the mystical oud and the tic tocking “Eastern Elegy” including reflective work by Lindner’s piano. Loueke’s voice is deep and rich as the percussion scurries underneath on “The Sister’s Dance” while Angelique Kidjo’s voice on “ Baby Aya” floats graciously over the rustling percussion and sleek lilt. Rich moods and atmospheres swing suavely here.
Anzic Records