More Energy Fields. Current

Carlos Nino & Friends ninth overall release is another self-described Spiritual, Improvisational, Space Collage featuring contributions from an extensive cast of remarkable jazz, new age, and electronic musicians. Percussionist and communicator Nino is the sole constant figure appearing on each track, mixing and editing the performances and serving as a spiritual guide. The album is set in motion with Pleasewakeupalittlefaster, please..., which features a relaxed, steady piano sequence played by Jamael Dean, gradually joined by additional keyboard parts and Ninos billowing percussion. Subsequent tracks are loose, playful collisions of free-form rhythms and wavelike textures, sometimes getting caught up in an ecstatic frenzy and other times going with the flow. Nightswimming begins with trickling modular synths by Dntel in addition to Deans sparkling piano notes, then sturdy beats by Jira >< snap the track into focus during its second half. Now the background is the foreground. begins with an unsteady skitter of drum machines and effects, then gradually airs out, letting Aaron Shaws understated, somewhat melancholy tenor sax shine through. Jamire Williams energetic drumming instantly makes Salon Winds one of the albums most exciting moments, and Nate Mercereaus warped guitar synth textures help take it to a stranger place. A guest appearance from master zither player and laughter meditation guru Laraaji as well as a collage sampling the words of original new ager Iasos both balance spiritual awareness with utter trippiness. The opening track is reprised at the end as Please, wake up., this time featuring lead tenor sax by the mighty Shabaka Hutchings, although Deans piano continues to emotionally drive the piece. Like all of the other Nino & Friends releases, youre never sure where youre going with this one, but you can always feel safe that its a peaceful, welcoming, and spiritually enlightening place. ~ Paul Simpson

マルチな活動を通じアメリカ西海岸アンダーグラウンド・シーンの精神的支柱として、存在感を放ち続けるカルロス・ニーニョ。気心知れたジャメル・ディーン、ネイト・マーセロー、サム・ゲンデルに加え、ララージ、アダム・ランドルフといったレジェンド、UKからシャバカ・ハッチングスも参加した今作も、自己意識を高めることや自然との調和を促すタイトルが付けられた楽曲が並ぶニュー・エイジ作品で、彼の活動の変遷を辿るように、ヒップホップ、ジャズ、アンビエントなど多彩な要素が息づき、アメリカ大陸から地球全体、はては宇宙へと広がり、穏やかだが壮大なパワーを感じずにはいられないだろう。
intoxicate (C)青木正之