Kutumba

One wonders if in recent times there has been such a truly global release as Kutumba  – meaning ‘family’ in Sanskrit. An album of largely South Asian sounds sampled with other traditions from around the globe – this is a true sangam (meeting point) of warm electronic sounds and effects fused with music recorded and sampled from across the world. Musician Richard Gannaway features artists from the far reaches of Russia, China and the US, while including sung poetry from places such as Polynesia and Tibet.

Opening track ‘Nashu’, a wonderful contrast of florid bansuri playing against choral singing (sampled in Russia and the US) transitions into an ecstatic vocal line of Karnatic-style improvisation from musician Varijashree. Tracks such as ‘Little Watchers’ warmly embrace Irish and Indian folk traditions – Richard Gannaway himself on Irish bouzouki, interspersing short bursts of Karnatic violin and further bansuri playing. ‘Somelele’, a nod to Africa, features call-and-response choral singing in Xhosa, softly undulating over gentle hand percussion. A lilting synth bass, alongside catchy bouzouki folk riffs are underpinned by unobtrusive electronic sounds. An appealing album of creative invention, Kutumba is not to be overlooked – enjoy the intoxicating, heady embrace of global music traditions.