Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free is a weekly newsletter curated by Roula Khalaf, the Editor of the FT. In this edition, she highlights the collaboration between Justin Adams and Mauro Durante, two well-travelled musicians who have worked with various artists in the world music scene. Their first album, ‘Still Moving’, received praise but was considered slightly undercooked. However, their latest album, ‘Sweet Release’, has been widely acclaimed and won awards for its Mediterranean-inspired music that travels from north to south and east to west.
The title track of ‘Sweet Release’ sets the tone for the album with a desert blues riff from Adams and syncopations from Durante’s frame drum. The lyrics speak of beads, oil, and years of toil, with a message of peace and songs of sweet release carried by the strings and drum. Other tracks on the album include “Leuca” sung by Alessia Tondo, a song of the sea inspired by their home base in Puglia, and “Ghost Train” with blues guitar and rockabilly riffs. “Wa Habibi” features Arabic vocals by Yousra Mansour enhanced by Durante’s violin, while “Silver and Stone” ends with a hymnal coda after a night walk. The instrumental piece, “Ithaca Return”, showcases a folk melody on violin that accelerates into expansive arpeggios, and the album closes with an ominous prayer.
The album has received a rating of four out of five stars and has been released by Ponderosa Records. Adams and Durante’s collaboration brings together their diverse musical backgrounds and experiences to create a unique fusion of sounds that draw inspiration from various cultures and traditions. The album showcases their ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles into a cohesive and captivating musical journey that takes listeners on a sonic exploration through the Mediterranean landscapes.
The combination of Adams’ guitar skills and Durante’s violin and drumming expertise adds depth and dimension to the music, creating a rich tapestry of sounds that evoke images of sun-soaked shores, bustling markets, and vibrant celebrations. The album’s tracks range from energetic and upbeat to hauntingly beautiful, with each song offering a different perspective on the themes of peace, release, and connection. The vocals, both in English and Arabic, add a layer of authenticity and emotion to the music, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the stories and emotions conveyed through the songs.
Overall, ‘Sweet Release’ is a testament to the power of collaboration and cultural exchange in music, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the human experience through the universal language of sound. Adams and Durante’s ability to bridge worlds and create music that resonates with audiences across borders and boundaries is a testament to the transformative nature of art and its ability to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures. The album stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite people from all walks of life in a shared celebration of creativity and expression.
