Member:
maribor
(Profile)
(All Album Reviews by maribor)
Date:
6/9/2011
Format:
CD (Album)
Djabe is a Hungarian band, probably relatively unknown to most progressive music fans. It was Steve Hackett who was responsible for bringing Djabe a bit more recognition, even though they still remain in the shadows. But almost everyone who has heard their music, has been impressed by what these guys are capable of, both in a technical sense and in terms of sheer beauty and power.
This concert, no matter how great it sounds and what a fine introduction to the band it is, has a slightly sad undertone. In 2007, the band experienced a tragic loss, when their singer and percussionist, Sipos Andras, died. This concert is to commemorate his life and music.
The first track is actually a recording with Sipi from 1999 and serves as a sort of farewell from him. A very nice gesture from the band and a souvenir of a great talent and friend. The band then goes into overdrive with some of their finest pieces, which contain mostly jazz music, but with a strong presence of rock and world music as well, with hints of, Latin music, new age and classical thrown in for good measure.
As a friend of the band and Sipi, Steve Hackett joins the band for a few numbers and has his own solo acoustic spot. This shows yet again what a gentleman and an all-round nice guy Steve is. He always seems to make time for things like that. I'm sure Djabe appreciated his efforts. Steve plays some of his trademark numbers here – including the almost obligatory acoustic piece “Horizons” from the Genesis album Foxtrot and adds a nice surprise when he performs a few bars of “Cuckoo Cocoon” from The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (Genesis).
Steve isn't the only prominent guest on display here. Djabe have made many friends over the years and many responded to their invitation to play at this memorable event. Most of these are world music performers, which again shows the depth of Djabe's music and their appeal to all kinds of people.
I think Djabe work best in a live setting, where they are able to let loose on their instruments with some fierce improvisations. It is this great combination of composed parts and free playing that make Djabe's music work even better. But don't think this is merely about free jazz improvisations, they're also capable of playing some gypsy jams, rock and Latin as well. All of this makes for a really nice change of pace and you never tire of their playing.
Despite the emotionally charged surroundings of the concert, Djabe prove that they are professional and deliver on all musical fronts. They go about their business and give the fans a benefit concert they will never forget. They celebrate Sipi's life and his musical legacy in the best possible way – by playing their best numbers with a very powerful and spirited delivery.
This live album, despite the difficult circumstances it was recorded under, simply shows that Djabe are one of the finest jazz fusion outfits around. Their style can be just about anything you like: from easy jazz, scorching jazz-rock, world music, ambient, you name it. And they're convincing no matter what they do. I think their biggest attributes are their emotionally-charged atmosphere, where they are able to convey all of their passion into the music. Don't get me wrong, these guys know how to play, but technique is never misused, but always used with the purpose of saying something profound.
As a double disc package, this might just be the best opportunity to get to know the band live or otherwise. The performance and sound are both stellar. Djabe have turned the death of their friend and colleague into a celebration of the music they played together and that's how it should be. Sipi will always be remembered!
Originally published by http://www.therocktologist.com
8 out of 10.
Member:
maribor
(Profile)
(All Album Reviews by maribor)
Date:
9/2/2011
Format:
CD (Album)
You don't hear the name of Djabe exactly mentioned on every street corner, or even at jazz or progressive rock gatherings. Djabe have sort of become lost within the boundaries of progressive rock, jazz and world music. They belong to each of these genres and to none of them. Their music surpasses simple genre definitions, which is a great credit to their music, but it also means that it hasn’t really found a niche.
Recently, Djabe have been hit with a great tragedy with the loss of their singer and percussionist Sipos András, also known as Sipi. Take On features the last recordings Sipi ever made with the band. The album also includes a composition dedicated to Sipi, with the Genesis-influenced title of “Los Sipos”. This album has everyone that is great about Djabe, including an excellent live performance at the Debrecen Jazz Days.
Djabe have a recognizable sound and it’s hard to mistake them for anyone else, but still every album is nothing like the rest. Because Djabe are not restricted by genre definitions and any other restrictions, they can just about use any combination of influences at any given moment. This gives them plenty of room to build and they make good use of it. While their main idiom of expression is almost always jazz (on this record as well), they always find ingenious ways to incorporate other musical elements, even when you would least expect them. Thus we hear plenty of world music influences, Latin music (Los Sipos), Romani (gypsy) music, folk, rock and occasionally even classical. It may sound chaotic, but actually Djabe make the music flow like a river and with a resounding musical quality to touch the deepest recesses of your heart. Their music is not only full of intelligent twists and turns, but also so full of feeling. You can truly feel their love for their music and it is reflected in the composition.
The CD is two-sided, which means that the second side features a DVD of their performance at the Debrecen Jazz Days, a performance never meant to be released. However, this was the last live performance of Sipi with the band, a week before his death and the band felt that under the circumstances it had to be released. It is a good choice because on one album you get the last Djabe studio album as well as a live performance, where Djabe are arguably at their best. Their free compositions are given even more freedom and room to manoeuver. Djabe are a very relaxed band with a fondness for performing and this can definitely be seen in this show as well.
Even though Take On is occasionally melancholic, which is understandable under the circumstances, it still retains plenty of the traditional joy that is often associated with Djabe releases. Sipi may be gone, but he lives on through the music. Take On is a great chance to get to know two sides of Djabe – their compositional studio side and their concert side, where there’s plenty room for improvisation, an area where Djabe truly excel, especially because of their variety of influences. Take On is certainly amongst their best musical efforts. If you want to hear a truly progressive band at work, let Djabe into your life.
Originally published by http://www.therocktologist.com
8 out of 10.
|
|
|
