Iroko

The Cuban pianist, Omar Sosa, has worked with artists and picked up awards around the world. Here, he partners with Bahian singer-songwriter, Tiganá Santana. These two artists have created something magical. The title-track suggests the old gospel staple, ‘St. James Infirmary’, transposed to a spiritual realm by piano, voice and subliminal percussion. Both artists always follow a ‘less is more’ credo: every note resonates, and all 11 tracks leave space for contemplation. ‘Muilo’ and ‘Kitembu’ are tours-de-force for multi-tracked voices, natural sounds and bodily percussion. ‘Inner Crossing (Travessia)’ adds moving multi-lingual spoken word to Sosa’s ruminative piano. ‘Moradía de Babalú’ is a joyful percussive dance, while Santaná revisits familiar territory on the gorgeous ‘Bloco Novo’ and ‘A Seiva da Gamaleira Branca’. But enough! Each number reveals treasure. This is Santaná’s finest album since his groundbreaking The Invention of Colour. And as for Sosa, one can only wait expectantly for his next venture.