Afrodisiaca

Dive into the avant-garde jazz realm with John Tchicai and Cadentia Nova Danica's "Afrodisiaca," a captivating album released on January 31, 2014, under the MPS label. This 41-minute journey through free jazz and avant-garde sounds is a testament to Tchicai's innovative spirit and his ability to blend genres seamlessly.

"Afrodisiaca" features five tracks that showcase the unique collaboration between Tchicai and the Danish ensemble Cadentia Nova Danica. The album opens with the title track, "Afrodisiaca," setting the stage for an exploration of heavenly love on a planet far removed from conventional jazz. "Fodringsmontage" and "This Is Heaven" continue the sonic adventure, each track offering a distinct yet cohesive piece of the puzzle. The album concludes with "Lakshmi," a fitting end to this musical odyssey.

John Tchicai, a pioneer in the fusion of afro-jazz and blues-rock, brings his signature style to "Afrodisiaca." With a career spanning decades, Tchicai's work with Cadentia Nova Danica represents a significant chapter in his musical journey. The album's re-release in 2014 brings this timeless collection to a new generation of jazz enthusiasts, offering a fresh perspective on Tchicai's groundbreaking compositions.

Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, "Afrodisiaca" promises an engaging and thought-provoking listening experience. The album's blend of free jazz, avant-garde, and traditional jazz elements creates a rich tapestry of sound that is as intellectually stimulating as it is musically satisfying.

John Tchicai, born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1936, was a pioneering figure in the world of free jazz and avant-garde music. With a Congolese father and a Danish mother, Tchicai's diverse heritage infused his music with a unique rhythmic and spiritual depth. He began his musical journey on the violin, later switching to clarinet and finally settling on the alto saxophone, which became his signature instrument.

In the early 1960s, Tchicai's career took off when he moved to New York City, becoming a central figure in the city's burgeoning free jazz scene. He collaborated with legendary musicians such as John Coltrane, Archie Shepp, and Albert Ayler, contributing to seminal works like Coltrane's "Ascension" and Ayler's "New York Eye and Ear Control." Tchicai's innovative approach to composition and performance earned him recognition as a father figure in the European improvised music world.

Throughout his career, Tchicai's music was celebrated for its compelling sense of rhythm, drama, and humor, as well as its spiritual and healing qualities. He was not just a saxophonist but also a composer and teacher, dedicated to advancing the cause of avant-garde jazz. Tchicai's legacy endures through his extensive discography and the influence he had on generations of musicians.

Afrodisiaca

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