Elipsis
GroundUp, 2026
9/10
The multi-instrumentalists Michael League, Pedrito Martínez and Antonio Sánchez come together for 6 rich and meticulous tracks that will resonate worldwide.
The rhythmic and percussively strong “Obbakoso” opens with League’s soaring voice alongside Martínez’s animated congas and harmony vocals that also use buzzing electronics, and “Caminando” follows with flowing vocals and colorful melodies that builds into a dizzying display.
“Variant” occupies the middle spot and emits waves of ambience thanks to the cautious interplay that bridges the synthetic with the organic and makes great use of League’s bass, while “Mi Tambor” offers a quick and playful moment via Sánchez’s drums, League’s keys and plenty of cinematic qualities.
“Tarpon” exits, and it’s a groove filled album highlight that can get dense in a rock sort of way, though it’s still indebted to plenty of worldly ideas.
A truly unclassifiable effort that touches on Cuban and African music, plus Bantu, Yoruba and Calabar traditions, the level of fusion present between the trio is remarkable.
Travels well with: Edward Simon- Venezuela; Ellen Rowe Quartet- Vinton’s Cove