Gilfema

Gilfema

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 4, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: ObliqSound
• ASIN: B000B66H1Y
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #230,456 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
When Gilfema released its self-titled debut album in 2005, they effectively put an end to any lingering doubts that jazz, although undeniably rooted in America, had evolved into a truly international art form. Here were a guitarist/vocalist, Lionel Loueke, from the West African nation of Benin; a bassist, Massimo Biolcati, who grew up in Sweden and Italy; and a drummer, Ferenc Nemeth, from Hungary--all coming together in New York City. Now, with Gilfema + 2, the follow-up to that auspicious, cross-cultural introductory statement, the trio has returned to take it to the next level. One of the most significant elements of the sophomore Gilfema recording, however, is that it isn't a trio recording at all, but one by a quintet, hence the + 2 of the title. The number refers to the guest clarinetists, Anat Cohen, playing a B-flat clarinet, and John Ellis, on bass clarinet and ocarina.

Gilfema + 2 was recorded in all of two days in February 2008. Its melodically luminous, rhythmically propulsive sound is indicative of the electricity that was constantly in the air as the musicians and producer Michele Locatelli laid down the tracks. The resultant music--built around the kind of intuitive interactivity that can only come from years of making music together--suggests numerous influences from around the globe, yet it's impossible to pin down, other than to say that it reflects both where these musicians have come from and where they are right now. There's a serenity that coats the entire proceedings, but an intensity as well, fueled by the artists' unflagging enthusiasm to create something previously unheard. No strutting, no flash, nothing to prove--other than the truth that the connections forged by like-minded artists investigating the possibilities of the creative spirit can result in music that's made to last. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best from 2005, December 2, 2006

By	eliot gardenstreet (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews

It's surprisingly satisfying to hear progressive jazz played on a nylon string guitar. The electric guitar is a beautiful instrument, and distortion and other electronic effects are wonderful, but there is something distinctively immediate and warm about the sound of nylon. This music is a combination of African folk and pop music and early fusion, and reminds me in places of Dave Holland. Like George Benson and Kurt Rosenwinkel, Lionel Louke sings with his single note playing, which gives the music more emotional complexity and depth, and although he plays an acoustic guitar throughout he uses distortion and a wah-wah on the last two tracks. The album is beautifully produced and packaged, and the acoustic bass--Massimo Biolcati--and the drums--Ferenc Nemeth--are energetic, clear and precise. I don't know why this album has not received more attention. It's certainly one of the best 2005 albums that I've heard.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars enjoyable and fresh, but not so new, April 16, 2008

By	paolo "plo" (italy) - See all my reviews

i bought this cd after i listened to one of the tunes on the radio: really good musicians, a particular voice (very "african") and a bright sound.
it features guitar and voice (only on some titles), bass and drums.

after listening to all the cd i can confirm the impression about the musicians and the sound, but the music is quite similar from one piece to another. where the voice adds to the instruments it gives an originals taste, while on some other titles it seems to listen to some kind of soft "fusion" music, extremely well played but not particularly original.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Back Story, but Musically Uninteresting, November 17, 2008

By	A. Gillette (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Gilfema +2 (Audio CD)

The Gilfema Trio hails from Benin, Sweeden, and Hungary; the "+2" others play the clarinet and the ocarina. The group aims for an African - jazz - world fusion sound and incorporates clapping, vocals in an African language, and nylon string guitars. So, it could make for some interesting music, but I think instead this music comes out sounding confused, unsure of itself, and a bit cheesy. The ocarina is especially bizarre (e.g. on track 5) since I thought those things only existed at Renaissance Fairs. Salome(tk 4) sticks closest to a modern jazz feel, features the clarinetist and is recommended. I don't listen to a lot of world music so maybe all of this album is more revolutionary in that setting. But in my opinion, it doesn't mesh into anything worth much air time.