Carlos Nino & Friends
' ninth overall release is another self-described "Spiritual, Improvisational, Space Collage" featuring contributions from an extensive cast of remarkable jazz, new age, and electronic musicians. Percussionist and "communicator"
Nino
is the sole constant figure appearing on each track, mixing and editing the performances and serving as a spiritual guide. The album is set in motion with "Pleasewakeupalittlefaster, please...," which features a relaxed, steady piano sequence played by
Jamael Dean
, gradually joined by additional keyboard parts and
's billowing percussion. Subsequent tracks are loose, playful collisions of free-form rhythms and wavelike textures, sometimes getting caught up in an ecstatic frenzy and other times going with the flow. "Nightswimming" begins with trickling modular synths by
Dntel
in addition to
Dean
's sparkling piano notes, then sturdy beats by
Jira ><
snap the track into focus during its second half. "Now the background is the foreground." begins with an unsteady skitter of drum machines and effects, then gradually airs out, letting
Aaron Shaw
's understated, somewhat melancholy tenor sax shine through.
Jamire Williams
' energetic drumming instantly makes "Salon Winds" one of the album's most exciting moments, and
Nate Mercereau
's warped guitar synth textures help take it to a stranger place. A guest appearance from master zither player and laughter meditation guru
Laraaji
as well as a collage sampling the words of original new ager
Iasos
both balance spiritual awareness with utter trippiness. The opening track is reprised at the end as "Please, wake up.," this time featuring lead tenor sax by the mighty
Shabaka Hutchings
, although
's piano continues to emotionally drive the piece. Like all of the other
Nino & Friends
releases, you're never sure where you're going with this one, but you can always feel safe that it's a peaceful, welcoming, and spiritually enlightening place. ~ Paul Simpson