Description
IMPORTANT NOTE: Some of the material on this CD was previously released with different mixes on on the SPV Poland CD “Muslim Gauze the Suns of Arqa Mixes” (Arka CD 22120). This new Soleilmoon release has six previously unreleased songs. If anyone owning a copy of our new CD is unhappy with their purchase they can send it to us with a note and we’ll issue a $16.99 credit or refund (check to US residents, paypal payment to foreign customers), your choice, and no hassles. This offer is good through March 30, 2008, and is open to all, regardless of where you bought the CD.
When Satoshi Morita introduced Muslimgauze to Suns of Arqa he had a good hunch the two musicians would form a connection. Bryn Jones (Muslimgauze) and Michael Wadada (Suns of Arqa) were already deeply immersed in the kinds of rhythmic music made far from England’s rainy shores. Jones’ fascination with the cause of Palestine found an outlet through his prolific musical output, and Wadada’s interest in Jamaican reggae and Eastern mysticism was likewise reflected in his own recordings. But they moved in different circles and had never crossed paths, despite living relatively close to one another. Bryn Jones in particular was well known for his reclusiveness and lack of curiosity about other music (and musicians), so it’s no surprise that it took a Japanese label owner to bring them together. Morita knew both men individually, liked their music enough to release it on his label Gift, and intuitively saw the potential in a collaboration between the two. He arranged an introduction in 1996, and like a spark landing on dry tinder, a musical firestorm blew up that summer. Several collaborations-by-mail were produced in the two-and-a-half years preceding Jones’ sudden and unexpected death in January 1999 from a fungal infection of the blood. The final sessions are presented today on this CD.
“Suns of Arqa Re-Mixs Muslimgauze” tips the scales at nearly 74 minutes , with 21 songs forming an unmistakable hybrid of the two bands’ styles. Wadada’s Carribean beats pulse and flow alongside Jones’ staccacto gunshot rhythms in a true blending of the two artists’ music. While it’s true that Bryn Jones is gone, we take comfort knowing that Muslimgauze lives on in the creative expression of the multitude of musicians who’s lives he touched. For Wadada, this album will stand as a lasting tribute to a friend and creative collaborator. At Soleilmoon, packaging and presentation are never overlooked. This CD is presented in a square black folder made of sugar cane fibers, and the whole thing is covered with a translucent vellum over-wrap. Only 500 copies of this handsome CD have been made.
