Nubiyan Twist - Jungle Run

  by Nicky Crewe

published: 26 / 3 / 2019

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Nubiyan Twist came together through Leeds College of Music. Formed in 2015, they have built themselves a reputation as one of the leaders in the new generation of young musicians who are defying definitions and fusing elements of hip hop, afrobeat, soul, jazz, Latin, dub and electronica. This potentially chaotic mix works beautifully, creating a style of music that is both upbeat and thought provoking, both timeless and contemporary. Back in the early 1970s I was at university in Leeds and had friends who were studying at Leeds College of Music. Over the decades the courses there have produced some exciting and experimental musicians and Nubiyan Twist are part of that story. There are other echoes of the '70s too. This is a group of around twelve musicians who have chosen to work as a collective. Now based in London ,they have also built their own studio in rural Oxfordshire, Henwood Studios. Hopefully this gives them control and a sustainable base in what can be the fickle world of the music business. The collective approach means that there’s a real diversity in the tracks on this album. Nubiya Brandon brings a very contemporary style to her vocals on 'Jungle Run', 'Brother', 'Permission# and 'Sugar Cane'. Nick Richards, saxophonist, takes the vocals on 'Ghosts' and 'Tell It To Me Slowly'. Ghanaian singer K.O.G. brings a great vocal sound to 'Basa Basa' and 'They Talk'. Percussionist Pilo Adami’s vocals on Borders are put me in mind of Brasilian Tropicalia artists like Caetano Veloso. Coincidentally Veloso has worked with David Byrne, and it comes as no surprise to learn that Nubiyan Twist were part of Byrne’s Meltdown takeover at the South Bank. By all accounts they are amazing live, and there should be some opportunities to see them on tour in the spring. As a young and contemporary band they have also attracted the attention of well respected musicians from the afrobeat and Ethiojazz world. Mulatu Astatke, father of Ethiopian jazz, plays vibes on 'Addis to London', and Tony Allen plays on 'Ghosts'. Working with musicians who have championed African influences in jazz and contemporary music, Nubiyan Twist are perfectly placed to recognise, develop and celebrate this heritage while taking it to new places as they share their exciting interpretation of their musical influences.

Track Listing:-

1 Tell It to Me Slowly
2 Jungle Run
3 Basa Basa
4 Brother
5 Addis to London
6 Borders
7 Permission
8 Ghosts
9 They Talk
10 Sugar Cane

Label Links:-

https://instagram.com/strutrecords/
https://twitter.com/strutrecords
https://www.youtube.com/user/strutrecords
https://www.facebook.com/StrutRecords
http://www.strut-records.com/

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