Cd Isle...CDs by BC island recording artists

Djolé is pronounced "jo-lay" and it is the word which the Mandinka people of West Africa use to describe the joy of life. This is something that is captured in the music which this wonderfully explorative and innovative group perform. Djolé is comprised of Niel Golden, Joby Baker, Doug Galbraith, Scott Sheerin, Sara Marreiros, and Tobin Stokes. Also joining them for this disc are Michael Baron, Dean Samuel, Stephen Kent, Danuel Tate, and Enrique Rivas. Together they perform some musical magic, wandering through new territory with their "timeless sound interwoven with jazz influences." Each track draws forth something new and unique from the listener's perspective, as well. There are a number of diverse and unique instruments used on this disc, far too many to name here, however you could pretty well travel the world through their use. Sara adds a poignant haunting effect to a number of the tracks with her vocal twinings, and gives greater depth to the already enriching pieces. "Cadboro Bay" is a place which is very familiar to me. I spent many summers there as I was growing up, as it was only a mile or so from my home. The tidal flow is captured with the melody, and Sara's vocals carry you along like a refreshing ocean breeze. It is a track which I found to be both relaxing and invigorating. A light and jazzy refrain is found in "Sutukum," a traditional piece. The soprano saxophone takes center stage, the notes pouring forth from it dancing about and above the melody, with the beat being kept by a Moroccan frame drum. Add in a Fender Rhodes and you have a rather incongruous blend, but it is quite pleasing to both the ears and soul. The final track on this disc is "The Idea of Earth," an original Djolé composition. It incorporates a number of those world wide instruments I mentioned earlier, from the tabla to the didgeridoo, and is a rather playful piece incorporating all of the unique sounds which come from the instruments. What the mind thinks should emerge as no more than a cacophony, is in reality a beautiful piece. Djolé is a group who's music excites and explores new avenues of approach, blending the not so obvious with traditional arrangements. They are to be enjoyed, and listened to repeatedly.

the musicians

Joby Baker (Bass, Drums, Synthesizer & Voice).

Doug Galbraith (Kora, Nylon String Guitar, Electric Guitar, Drums, Clave, Conga, Djembe & Sabar).

Niel Golden (Tabla, Doumbek, Tar, Tambourine, Woodblock & Shaker).

Sara Marreiros (Voice).

Scott Sheerin (Flute, Soprano Saxophone).

Tobin Stokes (Piano & Vibes).

Also featuring performance contributions by:

Michael Baron (Hand Drum & Shaker).

Stephen Kent (Didgeridoo, Click Stick & Shaker).

Enrique Rivas (Surdo & Cuica).

Dean Samuel (Mbira).

Daniel Tate (Electric Piano).

Indiscretion

Naomi DeBruyn - Editor, Linear Reflections: www.linearreflections.com

Victoria, BC, Canada, 5 / 2002 E.V .

Indiscretion was a Juno Award nominee in 1995 for "Best Global Recording," and two songs from this disc are featured in the multi-award winning Canadian film director Anne Wheeler's "Suddenly Naked."

A wonderful beginning for this Victoria based quartet who specialize in "world beat chamber music."

Djolé is pronounced "jo-lay" and it is the word which the Mandinka people of West Africa use to describe the joy of life.

This is something that is captured in the music which they perform.

Djolé is comprised of Niel Golden, Joby Baker, Doug Galbraith, and ScottSheerin.

Between them, these talented gentlemen perform on the following instruments: kora (21 string West African harp/lute traditionally used by the Mandinka griots, or storytellers), tabla (tuned, paired hand drums used throughout North India in classical, sacred, and folk music), nylon string guitar, soprano saxophone, steel string guitar, bass flute, electric bass, silver flute, porcelain flute, wine bottle, synthesized keyboard, Egyptian tambourine, shakers, tamboura, and the sruti box.

This entire disc is a wonderful journey through what could almost be called spiritual, music from distant lands.

On this disc Djolé attempted to "create a timeless sound interwoven with jazz influences."

I would have to say that they succeeded, and admirably so.

The disc opens with a traditional piece entitled "Kema Bourema," with the arrangement done by Djolé.

According to the liner notes, this is an old kora piece dedicated to 19 year old Salifu Kouyate, a member of a respected griot family who taught the song to Doug while he was in Senegal.

The band included a melodic line which was written by Joby.

There are vast depths to this piece, all of which may never be fully explored no matter how many times one listens.

"Indiscretion" is the title track, and a live improvisation. It features Doug on the Kora, Scott on the soprano saxophone and porcelain flute, Niel on the tabla, and Joby on the bass, kick, and keys.

It's a moody piece, almost teasing in some places, then quickly spinning away to hit a different tone.

I seriously had to laugh at the liner notes description of "Jazzy Jig," "A simple, lively tune that reminds us of Hindu hillbilly rock."

This was a description that just didn't want to fit together in my mind, until I actually listened to the piece.

It truly is an apt description, no matter how incongruous.

This track was written by Scott Sheerin and Niel Golden.

If you are looking for something different, something culturally diverse, something energized and alive, then look no further.

Indiscretion provides some serious listening pleasure, and Djolé shows their worth as consummate musicians with this disc.

Musicians

Joby Baker (Bass, Keyboard & Kick Drum).

Doug Galbraith (Kora, Nylon String Guitar, Steel String Guitar, Voice & Shakers).

Niel Golden (Tabla, Tamboura & Tambourine).

Scott Sheerin (Silver Flute, Porcelain Flute, Bass Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Shakers & Sruti Box).