LUIZGA & iZem - Yemanaya (Ellis)[World Music]

*** This blog post first appeared in TSMM's October 1st Newsletter, where you can get all the tips (and more) first ***

I'm a fan of iZem. I first came across Jeremy when he was jointly running a great radio station during his time in Dublin, which kindly syndicated an earlier incarnation of my podcast. Then out of the blue he started sending me some of his original productions and edits of obscure tropical treats that immediately grabbed me with their quality. I’m sure there were a lot of tracks on the cutting room floor but he wisely left them there, and his releases were great from the off. These days he seems to have come to the conclusion that knowing what not to do is as important as DAW sub-menu familiarity, and he’s adopted a lighter, more organic approach, hooking up with all sorts of Afro-Latin vocalists and musicians, content to infuse and elevate their diaspora sounds with his well crafted beats and deft studio work.

LUIZGA was news to me until this new album belatedly crossed my path. I guess the two met during iZem’s time in Portugal, and he’s another Brazilian emigre bringing welcome energy, musical ability (lead vocals, acoustic, electric guitars & electric bass, keys and percussion), Afro-Brazilian knowhow and a sunnier disposition to the Portuguese melancholy and adding some welcome swing to this Iberian slither.

This is no two man show though, there’s a whole host of great musicians and vocalists on board that the two hooked up with during the album’s recording in Brazil, France and Lisbon. It’s quite the team effort with too many to mention, but plenty of choice contributions that have been well woven throughout the uncluttered arrangements.

Kicking off this full album version of 2022’s Yemanaya EP are the pulsing bass drums and electronically tickled indigenous sounds of “Pé da Laranjeira”, setting a rootsy course for the album. Next up is the singalong, dance floor ushering LP title track, that overflows with joie de vivre. “Txaísom” nods to the Latin love affair with reggae with its smoochy, lover’s rock meets mestizo sounds, and both sung and playfully rapped vocals. “O Muno Muduo” ploughs a more experimental furrow, iZem providing some edgy downtempo beats and suspenseful electronics laced with angular strings that encourage a more sombre vocal delivery from LUIZGA. “Pachuchu” is a seriously mellow slice of acoustic soul and “Alguém Cantando“ intimately and sweetly covers Caetano Veloso, who I’m sure would approve.

The album is full of Nu-Brazilian delights and only falls a touch flat on the Beyonce covering, “Call My Name” which sounds oddly commercial and cheesy surrounded by the rootsier and realer original cuts, but it’s a minor complaint on an otherwise great album.

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Playlist Companion

For more far flung treats check out the Slow World Playlist.