Mother of Dreams and Secrets by Barney McAll - Research Records [RESEARCH03] FLAC download included with physical items

Mother of Dreams and Secrets

A 9 track afro-cuban jazz album (1h 8m 10s) — released June 1st 2018 on Research Records

On a trip to Cuba in 1996, Barney McAll was invited to a ceremony in honour of the Yoruba goddess Yemaya. The experience drew McAll, one of Australia's leading jazz pianists who had moved to New York to join Gary Bartz' band, to delve deeper into Cuban music and culture.


Originally released as a CD on the Jazzhead label in 2006, beside Hermeto Pascoal, Paul Grabowsky and many more, 'Mother of Dreams and Secrets' is a continuation of Barney's innovative exploration of sacred Afro-Cuban rhythms that has stood the test of time. Over the 9 tracks McAll shows many different shades of his Cuban schooling. The opening track 'Ellegua' captivates the listener with hypnotic percussion, rhythmic vocals and McAlls astounding paino skills, backed by the use of his very own 'Chucky' a "homemade musical instrument for textural enterprise and underwater landscapes". Further into the LP we are treated to the almost ambient 'Yemaya Prayer' an alluring piece featuring Dreiser Durruthy's breathtaking vocals.


The album was recorded at Egrem Studios in Havana with some of Cuba's finest percussionists and musicians, alongside New York-based American and Australian players, including the likes of Kurt Rosenwinkel and Billy Harper.
Available for the first time on vinyl, spread over a double LP for optimum sound quality.

“(McAll’s) ability to craft memorable themes is matched by a feel for the atmospheric… Now established on the intensely competitive New York jazz scene, he plays here with some of the city’s leading musicians. His music is utterly contemporary, McAll demonstrating throughout that he is a talented composer as well as gifted keyboardist” - Rolling Stone Magazine

Barney is a special piano player with that certain heart and touch, so he has great possibilities. He’s a genuine musician, not just a skilled artist. There’s a certain touch that I’m talking about. It’s hard to explain, but he has that - Billy Harper

McAll manages to intelligently integrate pop elements into his music and deserves much wider attention. - Los Angeles Times

Using space and simplicity, Barney McAll conjures mighty music. - All About Jazz

The timeless warmth of Havana's Egrem studio will always guarantee that listening to the recordings made inside it's hallowed walls makes you feel cozy and comfortable and this beautiful album from Barney McAll is certainly no different. These nine tracks from one of Australia's top pianists come to you from a label whose fledgling three-album catalogue started with psychedelic rock, moved on to sublime disco-funk and now takes a look at classy afro-cuban Jazz. Everything they do is on point, so I'm intrigued to know... what's next? - Miles Cleret (Soundway)

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