Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Kutiman: Space Cassava
Kutiman: Space Cassava
ByThe piece itself goes through several movements with the opening percussive undercurrent of "Space Cassava" giving way to an exciting horn-rich ensemble theme. Half way in and Yair Slutzki delivers an outstanding trombone solo on this fourteen minute number. The momentum of the whole work is kept going by a series of ensemble vamps that are embellished by guitar and 70s-sounding synth.
The twelve minute "Cheetah Guava" is a more straight-up funk workout with a groovy guitar opening not dissimilar to the soundtrack to Shaft, again evoking a 1970s feel. Early on in the piece there's a vibrant trumpet solo from Sefi Zisling Ramirez and later there's a fairly manic clarinet solo from Eyal Talmudi. The ensemble resolution is an exciting and engaging one, again embellished by strands of wispy synthesizer.
As might be inferred from the cover art, both pieces are undoubtedly informed by an African influence reminiscent of great bands assembled by the late Fela Kuti and there are even touches of Sun Ra and shades of cinematic Ennio Morricone here too. Kutiman's insistent beats and comparatively simple but captivating melody lines remain with the listener for ages and for that reason it can only be hoped that more extended projects will emerge from him sometime in the near future.
Track Listing
Space Cassava; Cheetah Guava.
Personnel
Kutiman: drums, guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, bass, percussion; Shlomi Alon: saxophone, flute; Sefi Zisling Ramirez: trumpet; Yair Slutzki: trombone; plus Eyal Talmudi: Clarinet (on Cheetah Guava only).
Album information
Title: Space Cassava | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Self Produced
< Previous
Tales of the Unforeseen
Next >
Now's The Time