The Golden Sèkèrè
Rhombus, 2023
9/10
The Nigeria native and Los Angeles resident Douyé returns with 14 songs that mix her polyrhythmic roots with western jazz nods for these percussive focused and very graceful interpretations of standards.
“Cherokee” opens the listen with Douyé’s soft and alluring pipes alongside warm keys and frisky drumming for the light jazz climate, and it isn’t long until the playful “My Funny Valentine”, which features Sean Jones on trumpet, brings playful drumming to the emotive and mysterious delivery.
Further along, the big band prowess of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” uses lively percussive sounds and animated brass for the festive approach, while “Afro Blue” recruits Dapo Torimiro for the stylish and melodic gestures of soulful song craft.
Deeper still, the soothing winds of “Key Largo” make for a dreamy ambience of eloquence, and “Devil May Care” lands close to the end with Buster Williams present for the meticulous bass plucking, poetic singing and absorbing musicianship.
This is Douyé’s 5th album, and it’s a highly creative venture that rewrites classic songs with both intimacy and exploration in its worldly charm and enchanting beauty.
Travels well with: Douyé- Quatro: Bossa Nova Deluxe; John Daversa Quintet- Cuarentena: With Family At Home