It looks like Damon Albarn‘s collaboration with Africa Express Project is only starting to gain momentum. After UK train tour with performances at ‘railway stations, schools, factories, offices, shopping centers, and homes’ along the way, followed by ‘Africa Express Presents: Maison Des Jeunes’ album in the end of 2013, Albarn has confirmed previous news about him recording new album in Mali, having teamed up with Brian Eno, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Nick Zinner and several artists from Bamako, Mali, to release a ctrack. A 41-minute track, actually.
In honor of 50th anniversary from the world premiere of Terry Riley’s iconic composition ‘In C,’ Africa Express Project is presenting their own, Africa-inspired rendition of Riley’s work. More relaxed, colorful and closely associated with African nature and spirit ‘In C.’
In a statement, Riley has given the most tender comment on the new look of his legendary composition:
“I am overwhelmed and delighted by this CD. I was not quite prepared for such an incredible journey, hearing the soul of Africa in joyous flight over those 53 patterns of ‘In C’. This ensemble feeds the piece with ancient threads of musical wisdom and humanity indicating to me that this work is a vessel ready to receive and be shaped by the spontaneous feelings and colours of the magician/musician. I could not ask for a greater gift for this daughter’s 50th birthday.”
Africa Express Project has already performed their version of ‘In C’ on the Bridge of the Turbine Gallery at London’s Tate Modern a few weeks ago. An interactive film featuring the performance alongside famous minimalist art from the Tate Collection will be release at TheSpace.org on November 28th, as mentioned by consequenceofsound.net.
Transgressive Records will make a digital release of the album November 24th, followed by CD and limited vinyl edition on January 26th.
A five-minute excerpt of magical African interpretation of the ‘minimalist classic’ is below, as well as the full list of the members involved.
Performers:
Adama Koita: Kamel N’goni
Alou Coulibaly: Calabash
Andi Toma: Additional Percussion, Kalimba
André de Ridder: Violin, Baritone-guitar, Kalimba
Badou Mbaye: Djembe, Percussion
Brian Eno, Bijou, Olugbenga: Vocals
Cheick Diallo: Flutes
Damon Albarn: Melodica
Defily Sako, Modibo Diawara: Kora
Guindo Sala: Imzad
Kalifa Koné, Mémé Koné: Balafon
Nick Zinner, Jeff Wootton: Guitar
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