Search - Gilfema :: Gilfema +2

Gilfema +2
Gilfema
Gilfema +2
Genres: International Music, Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #1

When Gilfema released its self-titled debut album in 2005, they effectively put an end to any lingering doubts that jazz, although undeniably rooted in America, had evolved into a truly international art form. Here were a ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Gilfema
Title: Gilfema +2
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: ObliqSound
Original Release Date: 10/28/2008
Release Date: 10/28/2008
Genres: International Music, Jazz, Pop
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
Other Editions: Gilfema
UPCs: 823889951221, 0823889951221

Synopsis

Album Description
When Gilfema released its self-titled debut album in 2005, they effectively put an end to any lingering doubts that jazz, although undeniably rooted in America, had evolved into a truly international art form. Here were a guitarist/vocalist, Lionel Loueke, from the West African nation of Benin; a bassist, Massimo Biolcati, who grew up in Sweden and Italy; and a drummer, Ferenc Nemeth, from Hungary--all coming together in New York City. Now, with Gilfema + 2, the follow-up to that auspicious, cross-cultural introductory statement, the trio has returned to take it to the next level. One of the most significant elements of the sophomore Gilfema recording, however, is that it isn't a trio recording at all, but one by a quintet, hence the + 2 of the title. The number refers to the guest clarinetists, Anat Cohen, playing a B-flat clarinet, and John Ellis, on bass clarinet and ocarina. Gilfema + 2 was recorded in all of two days in February 2008. Its melodically luminous, rhythmically propulsive sound is indicative of the electricity that was constantly in the air as the musicians and producer Michele Locatelli laid down the tracks. The resultant music--built around the kind of intuitive interactivity that can only come from years of making music together--suggests numerous influences from around the globe, yet it's impossible to pin down, other than to say that it reflects both where these musicians have come from and where they are right now. There's a serenity that coats the entire proceedings, but an intensity as well, fueled by the artists' unflagging enthusiasm to create something previously unheard. No strutting, no flash, nothing to prove--other than the truth that the connections forged by like-minded artists investigating the possibilities of the creative spirit can result in music that's made to last.

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CD Reviews

One of the best from 2005
eliot gardenstreet | Phoenix, AZ | 12/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's surprisingly satisfying to hear progressive jazz played on a nylon string guitar. The electric guitar is a beautiful instrument, and distortion and other electronic effects are wonderful, but there is something distinctively immediate and warm about the sound of nylon. This music is a combination of African folk and pop music and early fusion, and reminds me in places of Dave Holland. Like George Benson and Kurt Rosenwinkel, Lionel Louke sings with his single note playing, which gives the music more emotional complexity and depth, and although he plays an acoustic guitar throughout he uses distortion and a wah-wah on the last two tracks. The album is beautifully produced and packaged, and the acoustic bass--Massimo Biolcati--and the drums--Ferenc Nemeth--are energetic, clear and precise. I don't know why this album has not received more attention. It's certainly one of the best 2005 albums that I've heard."
Enjoyable and fresh, but not so new
Bottacin Paolo | Padova, Italy | 04/16/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)

"i bought this cd after i listened to one of the tunes on the radio: really good musicians, a particular voice (very "african") and a bright sound.

it features guitar and voice (only on some titles), bass and drums.



after listening to all the cd i can confirm the impression about the musicians and the sound, but the music is quite similar from one piece to another. where the voice adds to the instruments it gives an originals taste, while on some other titles it seems to listen to some kind of soft "fusion" music, extremely well played but not particularly original."
Interesting Back Story, but Musically Uninteresting
DJ Outro | Austin, TX | 11/18/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)

"The Gilfema Trio hails from Benin, Sweeden, and Hungary; the "+2" others play the clarinet and the ocarina. The group aims for an African - jazz - world fusion sound and incorporates clapping, vocals in an African language, and nylon string guitars. So, it could make for some interesting music, but I think instead this music comes out sounding confused, unsure of itself, and a bit cheesy. The ocarina is especially bizarre (e.g. on track 5) since I thought those things only existed at Renaissance Fairs. Salome(tk 4) sticks closest to a modern jazz feel, features the clarinetist and is recommended. I don't listen to a lot of world music so maybe all of this album is more revolutionary in that setting. But in my opinion, it doesn't mesh into anything worth much air time."