Mala // Mala In Cuba [Brownswood]
Gilles Peterson has once again unearthed a gem of a release here. His ongoing collaboration with Cuban musicians in the shape of Havana Cultura is showcased across this fine album that defies genre. With Raw Fusion’s Simbad also involved, there are going to be grooves of interest in here.
The term “culture clash” is oft over-used but what we have here is modern Cuban music – and the melodies are beautiful – married to influences like dub, dub step, electronica and house. The results demand repeated listening as we are taken into highly authentic Latin sounds and given a reminder that this music and it’s lineage remains timeless and powerful.
It’s not an album to cherry-pick, more one to buy in its entirety and delve into when all else seems frankly boring. The musicianship is unquestionable and the essence of the album, timeless. That said, it transcends all that is current and don’t be surprised to see this near the top 10 lists of many end of year charts. Mine included.
Seriously heavyweight release that proves perhaps, that all has not yet been done in music as some might have you believe.
Release Date: Out Now
Words: Colin Cook
