Fourth World innovator Jon Hassell, in his first record since the 1999 audiophile classic, "Fascinoma" (which was produced by Ry Cooder), transforms three live concerts (Montreal, Milan, Paris) into an atmospheric masterwo... more »rk - "Maarifa Street" ("maarifa" means "knowledge/wisdom" in Arabic). Hassell extends the Miles Davis-Gil Evans ambience into a setting where all the musics of the world meet, but instead of "world music," think "worldly music" - a sophisticated musical utopia, an urban neighborhood where families of many colors are welcomed: "Sketches of Spain", Indian raga, rippling electronica, North African vocal arabesques, "dub" reggae, minimalist "trance", just to name a few. (In a calculated understatement, Hassell collaborator Brian Eno said, "this sounds like really modern music.") In the title track, Hassell's unmistakable trumpet voice, multiplied digitally, sings a seductive (and ancient) melodic refrain, floating over a sea of microtronica detail and ambient sheepbells, anchored by a deep, throbbing dub bass - all creating a sonic picture like a scene from a "magic realism" novel. This theme of surreal fantasy is superbly illustrated in the amazing painting by Mati Klarwein ("Bitches Brew", "Abraxas") - a special surprise which awaits discovery on the inside of the package.« less
Fourth World innovator Jon Hassell, in his first record since the 1999 audiophile classic, "Fascinoma" (which was produced by Ry Cooder), transforms three live concerts (Montreal, Milan, Paris) into an atmospheric masterwork - "Maarifa Street" ("maarifa" means "knowledge/wisdom" in Arabic). Hassell extends the Miles Davis-Gil Evans ambience into a setting where all the musics of the world meet, but instead of "world music," think "worldly music" - a sophisticated musical utopia, an urban neighborhood where families of many colors are welcomed: "Sketches of Spain", Indian raga, rippling electronica, North African vocal arabesques, "dub" reggae, minimalist "trance", just to name a few. (In a calculated understatement, Hassell collaborator Brian Eno said, "this sounds like really modern music.") In the title track, Hassell's unmistakable trumpet voice, multiplied digitally, sings a seductive (and ancient) melodic refrain, floating over a sea of microtronica detail and ambient sheepbells, anchored by a deep, throbbing dub bass - all creating a sonic picture like a scene from a "magic realism" novel. This theme of surreal fantasy is superbly illustrated in the amazing painting by Mati Klarwein ("Bitches Brew", "Abraxas") - a special surprise which awaits discovery on the inside of the package.
CD Reviews
Jon Hassell - Cultural Treasure
C. Douglas Craft | Lakewood, CO United States | 09/15/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a fan of Jon Hassell since the 70s and think he is one of the most creative musical voices our country has produced. He plays trumpet - but in a trance-inducing style that combines elements of Indian classical music, third-world percussion, electronic signal processing, and looping - to create a totally unique style. This music is for anyone who loves creative and unique music that is well crafted and contemplative. However, if you prefer pop or vocal music, this album is probably not your cup of tea.
I love this album and have listened to it many times - so it has "legs" and bears repeated listening - like all of Hassell's catalog. It has similarities to his previous work with Bluescreen, "Dressing for Pleasure" and his earlier trance and magic realism albums. I think it ranks with Hassell's best work and represents an interesting approach that augments and morphs live performances into new compositions. If you are looking for a creative music that touches the soul, you should definitely give Jon Hassell a listen."
A Looking Back...
P. King | Montclair, NJ USA | 10/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a way to mix the new and newer-not a retrospective, but it could certainly serve as such. Perhaps also a way to introduce Jon Hassell to the unititiated. As can be said of all his work, Maarifa Street: Magic Realism, Vol. 2 is highly recommended.
After 30 years and just a handful of recordings, this man is a giant of modern music and still a secret at the same time. Unless one hears a soundtrack or some theme music, his sound never reaches the ears of the greater public. One wonders why he has spawned no other composers or bands who are directly influenced by his work. Perhaps it is time..."
Not his best but unique sound
Marco Bortoletto | Italy | 08/28/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In his long career Hassell has created a very personal sound, not only with his trumpet but with all his ensembles that he bring in the direction he likes. Maybe this is not one of his best CD but in few seconds you can easily recognize his music that is different from any other musician. While other similar artists like Eno are making musical flops (listen to Another Day...) Hassell continues his artistic journey with no compromises and we are grateful to him."
His best CD in many years
D. W WISELY | Birmingham, AL USA | 09/17/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A couple of things I particularly like about this fine recording. Hassell uses, here, a trumpet sound that falls somewhere on the continuum between the highly processed voice we remember from Fourth World Vol 1 and the straighter sound he employed on Fascinoma. This time it's recognizable both as Jon Hassell AND as a trumpet. The other real jewel here is terrific bass playing. Highly recommended CD."
Hassell as magus-emeritus
cubik dervish | burque, usa | 12/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Perhaps the most studio-wrought Hassel album of all. Goregeous weaving of live-captured performances with studio overdubs. Very Dub/ Jazz sounding at times, but that's not a put down. The latter half of the album sees a return to earlier atmospheres. I would say, a combo of Power Spot and City: Works of Fiction in its musical background. Yet it takes a life all of its own. Must-have for everyone, especially for the Hassel neofites, due to its trademark, yet accessible sound."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1