I don't suppose many folks' thoughts are flitting between Candido's monster worldwide hit 'Thousand Finger Man' and Key Stage 3 African Drumming lesson plans, but if they are, Maurizio Ravalico's 'A Thousand Rawhide Diaphragms' album is one for you.
When it comes to a conguero, we often refer the Essex's own Snowboy (aka DJ Mark, Cotgrove - as in review HERE) but Maurizio has taken the art of 'new music for congas' to the next level.
Introduced as "London-based percussionist, Maurizio Ravalico is a multifaceted artist and experimentalist, a versatile character with a restless appetite for cross-pollination between disciplines and genres". The album if definitely proof of that but don't let that put you off as there's some out-there tracks, like a minimal NYC Fania street scene via London Underground/DLR security check of 'No Comparsa Today', the sound check of 'Interlude 3 - Tap' and a cover version of The Beatles 'Norwegian Wood' (nice whistle of 'This Bird Has Flown).
The album finishes with the 11 minute track 'Drag Spin Swing Read Pluch Clash Read' that sounds minimal/electronic/techno at times and then fully organic as the whole album is an ode on congas (apart from the vocals/whistle on 'Norwegin Wood').
The opening track, 'A Cheaper Love Letter (for Egberto Gismonti)' is
like a distant steam train creeping up on you - in Cuba - def one for
the festivals next year and as this is such an adventurous album and far more than you'd expect; buddy Peels, Peterson and Wetheralls - this is one to investigate.
Artist: Maurizio Ravalico
Title: A Thousand Rawhide Diaphragms
Release date: 25th October, 2024
Label: Not Applicable
Catalog Number: TBC
Format: CD / Digital / Bandcamp
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