Zajal
Mulatta, 2020
8/10
Now here’s something really unique, a jazz record that’s often sung in Hebrew, Arabic and Spanish from Andalusia 900-1400 C.E. Spearheaded by multi-instrumentalist and composer Dave Soldier, he’s got a small army of musicians contributing atypical instruments to us Westerners like sentur, timbales, and palmas, among others.
“Raqib" (The Spy) starts the listen with plenty of culture buried in the many voices and “Ma’an Walnaar” (Water And Fire) follows with adventurous keys and world music influenced percussion as expressive singing guides the enchanting tune.
Near the middle, “Bi-moa” (Without Myself) recruits strong guitar work and calm vocals as the music occasionally bursts into fuller moments as spoken word also enters the equation, while “The Stars Of Country Music Greet The Spring”, which features David Castellano, offers an english sung moment that recruits plenty of worldly noisemakers.
Near the end, “Krav” (Battle) brings some of the best vocal work on a gorgeous landscape of Hebrew folklore, and “Hal-dara Zabyu al-Hima” (If) ends the listen elegant and rhythmic as dynamic instrumentation illuminates the creativity.
A fusion listen of the highest degree, Soldier has dabbled in countless genres in lengthy career, including blues, R&B and punk, but here he’s outdone himself on the first truly fascinating record of 2020 where klezmer, flamenco and Greek ideas, to name a few, are part of inimitable formula.
Travels well with: Bonzo Squad- There’s Always Tomorrow; Pearring Sound- Nothing But Time