Del Cuarto Rojo: Homenaje Sonoro Escuchando la Pintura de Rafael Hastings

Peruvian percussionist Manongo Mujica has always been partial to experimentation, as was clear in his work with the influential jazz fusion group Perujazz, but his relationship with the label Buh Records in recent years has allowed that side of his work to blossom even further, with this latest a prime example. This is his response to the death of his friend and fellow Peruvian, the painter Rafael Hastings, with Mujica attempting to conjure in sound what Hastings’ art means to him.

In line with other recent works, the first two tracks find Mujica embarking on lengthy percussive journeys, accompanied by minimal electronics, with a hypnotic, disconcerting outcome, but then things open up when violin and cello are added on the elegiac, and rather beautiful, ‘Mar – Sin Inicio’. On the following track ‘Neblina’ the strings are present again, but this time full of life, with Mujica propelling the rhythm forward with his drum work. The album’s other major ingredient are field recordings, usually of nature’s flora and fauna, prominent on tracks such as the ambient funereal march ‘Procesión’. Thoughtfully conceived and doused with emotion, Mujica has created a fitting tribute to his friend.