Is What You Make It
Strolling Bones, 2023
9/10
A re-release from the Athens, GA ensemble that’s spearheaded by Jim Wilson, the presence of Kofi Atentenben and the Warriors (Accra, Ghana) helps make for a very fusion oriented listen that uses 25+ musicians via the worldly affair.
“Zero To Hero” opens the listen with lively drumming and plenty of soulful backing vocals, where well timed bass and spirited guitar playing helps make for much creativity, and “Charlie Parker” follows with Adjetey Quarshie’s dreamy flute and some rock’n’roll melodies entering the stylish delivery.
“Tug Of War” lands in the middle, and radiates a rich and cultured environment of playfulness and meticulousness thanks to the smooth sax bouts and textured percussion, while “Boyz Boyz” is full of mesmerizing qualities amid Wilson’s expressive storytelling and Melissa Colbert’s alluring backing vocals.
Close to the end, “Dunia” is a festive album highlight that’s densely packed with strings, winds and plenty of meticulous noisemakers, and “Wazor” exits with an anthemic and groove filled quality that utilizes John Fernandes’ well timed violin and thumping drums.
A truly innovative listen that meshes Americana with traditional Ghanaian instrumentation, every track here is a well thought out, precisely delivered and packed with a global appreciation.
Travels well with: Pierce Edens- A Life In Trade; Billy Keane- Oh, These Days