AKA Trio - Joy

IF YOU despair about the daily capitalist media hatchet job on Jeremy Corbyn you need Joy — it soothes while restoring faith in internationalism.

And prepare to be astonished. These free-flowing songs and instrumentals dazzle with a rich musical, almost monastic, minimalism where less actually does mean more.

The ebullient, combined virtuosity of Antonio Forcione (Italy) on guitar, Seckou Keita (Senegal) on kora and lead vocals and Adriano Adewale (Brazil) on percussion mesmerises throughout.

Forcione’s guitar is masterfully measured yet intricate, Keita’s vocals effortlessly meander through the melodies while Adewale’s gentle syncopation on percussion delights.

The jointly composed Joy sets the tone with its meditative tempo and Baracoa transports you to eastern Cuba. Uncle Solo pays tribute to kora legend Jali Solo Cissokho while The Beautiful Game longs for the lost “soul footie” played by Pele, Garrincha, Gerson or Socrates.

Album of the year contender.


Click here for the full review >