Peter Lemer Avec La Troupe Populaire De G'naoua De Asilah ‎– Asilah 80 - Au Théatre Al Kamra À Asilah

Label: Association Culturelle Al-Mouhit ‎– none
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Morocco
Released: 1980
Genre: Electronic, Jazz, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Contemporary Jazz, Free Improvisation, African

Entirely unique one-off private release of unclassifiable, delirium-inducing, cross-cultural alchemy from British keyboard improviser Peter Lemer and the traditional Moroccan ensemble La Troupe Populaire De G'naoua De Asilah recorded live in the Atlantic coastal town of Asilah in 1980.  It's a furious, sweat-drenched journey with the clattering G'naoua percussion setting off like a herd of galloping horses before being set alight by Lemer's wild synth improvisations that rise and fall in intensity whilst being propped-up by the constant percussive rattle underneath that somehow, inexplicably, manages to maintain this ferocious intensity.  Whether scripted or not, the piece suddenly evolves into a totally unexpected call and response with the audience, with the crowd echoing back Lemer’s simple keyboard melodies and obviously enjoying themselves, then being plunged back into the frantic dash to the finish line.  There’s space at the end where the G'naoua troupe perform a more laid-back but totally hypnotic traditional piece alone, that ends with rapturous applause all round from the crowd.  Definitely one of the most unusual and mind-blowing collaborations between two totally disparate musical traditions and approaches, although united in the spirit of improvisation and a love of music that permeates the entire release.  A true cultural artefact and total one off.. RARE.  (VG ((very slight crackle on intro but goes once it kicks in ((the youtube video below is the actual record)) // sleeve VG has some tape but otherwise in tact - ultrasonically cleaned with Audio Desk Systeme)) - Msg for price... offers / trades most welcome!

Tracklist
A1 Festival Parade
A2 Improvisation
B1 Invitation
B2 Invocation
B3 Finale