Fandamane
Protomaterial, 2025
9/10
A very diverse effort, Jozéfinn (i.e. Jean Pierre Joséphine) and company mesh jazz with influences from Réunion Island, Madagascar, and South Africa via these atypical 9 tracks.
“Mama/Dann Belal” opens with Jozéfinn’s meticulous guitar alongside Ranto Rakotomalala’s frisky bass for the warm delivery, and “Oongquma” follows with conversational vocals and Arjuna Mariapin’s agile drumming that suits the rhythmic template.
In the middle, “Savane 7” offers bright bouts of melodic jazz qualities that allow for Andry Michael Randriantseva’s keys to shine, while “Shap Lamako” spotlights the EWI via the animated and playful album highlight.
Arriving later, “Sekoya Vibe” finds itself in dreamy territory, where the lush vocals and Bongani Sotshononda’s marimba won’t go unnoticed, and “Bambelela” exits with Pascale Joséphine’s lovely voice guiding the uplifting and harmonic gestures of the wordly demeanor.
A highly personal effort that pays tribute to Jozéfinn’s mother, the selections here are fusion at its finest thanks to the detailed polyrhythms and colorful grooves.
Travels well with: Freysteinn- Thoughts.; Copper Curios- Time