Release Date: 14 March 2025
Label: OA2 Records
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 0805552222623
Genres: Jazz
Description
The Shona, "Ngatibatanei," translates to a call for unity and kinship, emphasizing the interconnectedness of people--a very appropriate sentiment guiding the second album by Mhondoro. The melding of traditional Zimbabwean music, American jazz, and an unescapable dose of the Pacific Northwest, Ngatibatanei celebrates the sounds of its diverse roots with tart melodies sailing amongst inspired grooves, creating surprising moments throughout. Mhondoro is Israeli saxophonist Idit Shner, Zimbabwean vocalist and percussionist John Mambira, and the Oregon-bred rhythm section of pianist Torrey Newhart, bassist Garrett Baxter, and drummer Ken Mastrogiovanni, who discovered their collective sound--both global and hyper-local, truly American in the best sense of the word--during the long days of the pandemic. Meaning "the lion spirit" in Shona, Mhondoro is full of joy and brimming with the force of life.
"...these five are original...Shner is undoubtedly a John Coltrane disciple, albeit with a personal sound...Together they bring an exciting cocktail that properly tightens the links between Western jazz and African traditions. A startling album and one for the year-end lists without a doubt!" - Jazz'halo (Belgium)
Tracklisting
Ben Markley Big Band & Ari Hoenig
Francesco Crosara
Wil Swindler's Elevenet
George Cotsirilos Quartet
Charlie Porter, Nick Biello, Orrin Evans, Mike Moreno, David Wong, Damian Erskine, Behn Gillece & K
Gregory Dudzienski Quartet
Jihee Heo
Anthony Stanco
Idit Shner & Mhondoro
