Trilok Gurtu, Arke String Quartet - Arkeology (2006)

14 Apr, 16:05
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Artist: Trilok Gurtu, Arke String Quartet
Title: Arkeology
Year Of Release: 2006
Label: Promo Music [PM CD 006]
Genre: Jazz, World Fusion
Quality: FLAC (image + .cue,log,scans)
Total Time: 52:01
Total Size: 343 MB(+3%)
WebSite: Album Preview

Tracklist

01 - Balahto
02 - Nanda (to my mother)
03 - Kermansah
04 - Dea
05 - Fes
06 - Taranta Suite
07 - Yoragathupaga
08 - Folded Hands
09 - Skopje
10 - Sveva

Trilok Gurtu, Arke String Quartet - Arkeology (2006)

personnel :

Trilok Gurtu - Tabla, Drums, Percussion, Flute, Voice
Sandro Di Paolo - Viola
Valentino Corvino - Violin
Carlo Cantini - Violin, Strings [Dilruba], Recorder, Kalimba, Mixed By, Mastered By
Stefano Dall'Ora - Double Bass, Ukulele, Bass [Eminence/aptflex]

There's definitely something interesting going on here. Mix percussionist Trilok Gurtu with Italy's Arke String Quartet, whose instrumental arsenal extends a little beyond convention, and you have a marvellous blend of East and West, apparent from the outset with "Balahto," which just cracks out of the box. It really is a cultural blend, too, with everyone responsible for the compositions, such as Gurtu's "Folded Hands," which is extensive and exploratory, gorgeously melodic, and rhythmically inventive. Creatively, the musicians are real equals, all striving for something new and making connections. The fact that they're all virtuosos doesn't hurt, either, readily able to translate their ideas from the head to the fingers, and with a deep knowledge of global music and an obvious desire to learn more. It takes some unexpected turns, like the tabla that mixes with the music of Southern Italy on "Taranta Suite," but works perfectly. In its own quiet way, this is one of the great successes of the year.