Calima is a natural phenomenon when sand from the Sahara Desert travels across the Atlantic Ocean, bringing nutrients that help fertilize the tropical rainforests of Latin America and the Caribbean. It serves as the perfect title for this record. “Calima”, the latest project from Balimaya Project is an encounter between the aforementioned Balimaya and the Colombian band Discos Pacifico All Stars. Together they explore the African Diaspora by fusing West African Jazz and Afro Colombian rhythms. Fifteen musicians connecting the dots from the Atlantic to the Pacific. “A Life Worth Living” brims with warmth. A mellow mid tempo groove lays the groundwork for heart pounding percussion, heavenly horns and a melodic guitar. Add to that the strong vocal harmonies lead by Edwin Ivan Jimenez Tenorio among others. “I Wish I Knew” echoes the sound of Afro-Colombian. It has a simmering intro due a haunting piano, percussion and Marimba. The sound of these worlds colliding is magical. A marvelous collaboration worthy of repeated listens.

https://jazzrefreshed.bandcamp.com/album/calima

Reg Dancy

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