Migratum

Migratum is the Chicago trio’s debut album, building in form, beats complexity and melodies from 2019’s self-titled EP. The term ‘world fusion’ is applicable to this intense concoction of Afro-Cuban, Romanian voice, house, breakbeat and muscular percussion. Cuban producer Harold ‘AfroQbano’ Gonzalez’ background is as a DJ and producer, while the US drummer/percussionist Daniel Crane, has played live at hip-hop clubs. In contrast, chanteuse Ana Everling reinterprets Moldovan vocal folklore. Best are Everling’s interpretations of the doina, a free-form Romanian genre she is preserving. ‘Sirenas’ is a cover of Argentine singer Carlos Gardel’s lament ‘Cuesta Abajo’. The stanzas – the first four soaring over a drone – totally enchant, before Crane and AfroQbano burst in for the climactic final minutes. On the jazzy house ‘Moldovan Disco’, Everling is in warmer mood while guest keyboardist Kevin Ford improvises. This is riveting and original, putting Chicago on today’s global music map.