Hailing from Osaka, Japan ; Djamra presents an adventuresome avant-jazz which hits you right between the eyes. Masaharu Makakita's virtuoso electric bass playing dominates most tracks with a fat n' funky sound giving this band a modern , heavy sound not usually associated with this genre. Whether slapping or sliding up and down the neck of his fretless bass, Mr Makakita lays the foundation for a memorable musical odyssey. Alt-sax player Shinji Kitamura and trumpeter Dai Akahani play a game of cat and mouse, chasing each other in and around the anchor provided by Masaharu's bottom end. Although primarily a foursome ( Akihiro Enomoto rounds out the quartet , on drums) the band does have several guest musicians rotate in and out of the line-up; supplying us with some electric guitar, keyboards, and more alt-sax.
Whether fully immersed in an avant-jazz mode ( Neo Skin, Mood), experimenting with alternate takes of the same track ( Time Flies Like An Arrow-2 hones and 3 hones versions), or exploring a more worldy sound ( To India), Djamra offers up a fantastic hybrid of musical tapestries played with panache and conviction.
Once again I must tip my hat to the good folks at Musea who seem to have a knack for finding and signing a huge cross-section of talented bands who, for the most part, like to push the musical envelope to it's limits. Highly recommended.
Track listing:
- Time Flies Like An Arrow (2 hones version)
- Channeling
- Assasin In Sin
- Neo Skin
- Mood
- Nest
- Time Flies Like An Arrow(3 hones version)
- Hz
- Pliable Clockwork
- The Cave
- To India
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