Max Wild: New Album 'Tamba' on Obliqsound & Tour with Chiwoniso

Source: CALABRO MUSIC
May 31, 2010
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Brooklyn, NY -- Zimbabwean saxophonist Max Wild will release Tamba on June 29, his riveting full-length debut on ObliqSound that blurs the lines between jazz, funk and Afropop. In Shona -- the predominant language spoken in Zimbabwe -- Tamba means “dance," and it's virtually impossible to be within listening distance of this music and not comply. Featuring Zimbabwean vocalists Chiwoniso and the late Sam Mtukudzi, Tamba fuses the rhythmic and melodic traditions of southern Africa with the sophisticated harmonies and inspired improvisation at the core of contemporary jazz. Produced by Michele Locatelli, Tamba is an ecstatic, intensely kinetic celebration that bridges cultural and stylistic divides while keeping feet on the move.

For all of the joy within its grooves, however, Tamba's arrival is bittersweet. Wild's chief collaborator on the recording, the brilliant young vocalist and guitarist Sam Mtukudzi, son of Zimbabwean music legend Oliver Mtukudzi, passed away in a car accident in March of this year at the age of 21. Instead of providing a wider introduction to his gifts, Sam's prominence on Tamba stands as a coda to a life and career cut short much too soon. That said, Sam Mtukudzi's presence shines throughout Tamba with the kind of optimism and hope true to the nature of his fellow Zimbabweans.

“They are a very optimistic people, even in times of crisis," says Wild. “In every other country there would have been a coup, rebellion or civil war. But not in Zim. It is a peaceful nation and miraculously people find a way to make ends meet against all odds. Often music is the only thing people have left after everything else has been taken."

This ambitious cross-Atlantic collaboration is executed beautifully by Max Wild and his crew of brilliant musicians, including Massimo Biolcati (acoustic bass), Michael Olatuja (electric bass), Jesse Lewis (lead guitar), Soren Moller (keys), Obed Calvaire (drums), Sam Felo (backing vocals and percussion), Chris Berry (mbira and congas), and guest vocals from Sam Mtukudzi, Chiwoniso and Alicia Olatuja.

Max Wild will perform at Nublu in New York City on June 20 to celebrate the Tamba's release. In July he'll join Chiwoniso on a summer tour as a featured guest around the East Coast and Canada, including appearances at City Folk Festival, Ottawa Blues Festival, Afrofest and Grass Roots Festival.

MAX WILD NYC Album Release Show:
June 20 | Nublu | New York, NY

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For more information contact Calabro Music.

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