Nomadic is the latest psychedelic exploration of absolute free jazz legend Sonny Simmons. At 82 years old, Simmons has joined forces with Moksha Samnyasin, a bass-drums-sitar trio consisting of French musicians Thomas Bellier (Spindrift, Blaak Heat Shujaa), Sebastien Bismuth (Abrahma) and Michel Kristof (Other matter).
Nomadic stands at the peak of Simmons’ quest for Middle-Eastern, psychedelic sonorities, the latest sonic accomplishment of a career spanning seven decades, during which Simmons has investigated and deconstructed every form of mind-expansive music. Moksha Samnyasin lays a heavy, vibrant, and improvised foundation that gives Simmons' alto sax and English horn the space to explore the sonic spectrum and push the boundaries of conventional psychedelia. Unfolding visions of the Far East, hinting at the minimalism of free jazz, the result is a peyote-laced Bitches Brew making way for a brand new form of "jazz fusion". Recorded between Paris and New York, the album was mastered by Grammy Award-winning producer Matt Hyde (Slayer, Deftones).
One of the last originators and godfathers of 1950s free jazz alive, Sonny Simmons' explosive sound was revealed to the public by Sonny Rollins, Eric Dolphy and John Coltrane. Bridging the gap between the West Coast and the East Coast, Oakland (where he was raised) and Woodstock (where he co-founded an artist commune in 1968), he recorded for the visionnary ESP label in the 1960s, rehearsed with Hendrix (the neighbor next door...), and relentlessy pushed the limits. Re-launched by Quincy Jones on Warner in the 1990s, while maintaining a high profile within jazz circles, Simmons' interest in the newest electric and electronic experimentation continues to support his timeless reputation.
All I can really say is THANK YOU Dylan & co. for bringing new,amazing,dense,deep and interesting music into my life.I first heard about Earth through listening to Mark Lanegan 's book "Sing Backwards and Weep",the mention from Mark and also learning of he and Dylan's closely honed friendship and brotherhood of many years peaked my interest and I knew eventually I'd be embarking on this journey of interdimensional sound."Primitive and Deadly" is a masterpiece!!!!! monobri73
Hamid Drake is utterly unique. Anyone who watches him perform will be in awe of the fluidity of his movements and his rhythmic sensibilities. Both can seem supra-human at times. This is not a collaboration which I would have predicted to even take place, let alone be successful. Just goes to show how little confidence I have in my good fortune.
Mako Sica is “free-rock trio” from Chicago whose members seem to have a very wide palette of tones and musical ideas to draw upon.
This is a melange of spacey psychedelic jazz which repays careful listening. It’s immediately likable. But the more you listen the more you see, if I may coin a phrase. The deeper you go the warmer and more satisfying this mixture of influences becomes.
Pick up this limited edition cassette while you can. Richard Hayes