Afro Futuristic Dreams is the fourth album from Idris Ackamoor and the Pyramids since signing to Strut in 2012. Recorded between London and San Francisco with producer Malcolm Catto (he also helmed 2020's Shaman!), it features many of the same players in an expanded lineup. Ackamoor's company cuts across inspirations from Afrobeat, avant and spiritual jazz, psychedelic blues, mutant funk, theater, spoken word, and more in a soulfully idiosyncratic sound of their own creation. In addition to his core band -- electric guitarist Bobby Cobb, flutist Margaux Simmons, bassist Ruben Ramos Medina, and violinist/vocalist Sandra Poindexter -- are trumpeter Aaron Atkinson, trombonist Greg Stephens, drummers Ernesto Marichales and George Hearst, keyboardist Ben Maddox, percussionist Bradie Speller, a string quartet, and a small vocal chorus. In addition to saxophones, Ackamoor sings (think Leon Thomas), plays organ, piano, keytar, and percussion instruments. The leader makes glorious use of this larger ensemble. Afro Futuristic Dreams offers ten tracks that sprawl across 76 minutes, without performance or production excesses.
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£26.00Price
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