Welcome to the third installment of our quarterly Bandcamping roundup. As a digital institution it’s hard to beat Bandcamp. It’s ridiculously easy to use, it puts money directly into artists’ (and labels’) pockets and there’s a seemingly endless amount of music to discover there — new, old and in-between. Of course, that endlessness can be a little overwhelming. Here are 10 more recommended releases – old, new and in-between. words / t wilcox
Mesmeric Haze / The Spacement Tapes, vol. 1: A Philly group finds an awesome through line between Zuma, Marquee Moon and The Days of Wine and Roses. You know, the good stuff. Brian McBrearty and Jeff White’s crystalline guitars intertwine gorgeously over the course of some lengthy workouts, withdrummer James Aten and bassist Sean McBrearty providing a simple/sturdy bedrock. Totally sweet sounds – highly recommended.
The Spacement Tapes: Volume 1 by Mesmeric Haze
Saariselka / Ceres: Saariselka is a collab between Marielle Jakobsons (Fender Rhodes, organ, synthesizers) and Chuck Johnson (pedal steel guitar and treatments), and this 17+-minute track is pure bliss from start to finish. “Ceres” is part of a thing called Longform Editions out of Sydney, Australia — “an ongoing series of music pieces curated to foster and celebrate immersive listening experiences for the musically adventurous.” Put it on a loop and spend the next few hours in the heavens.
Pierre Sandwidi / Le Troubadour De La Savane, 1978-1980: This terrific compilation of tunes from Pierre Sandwidi, a beloved musician from Burkina Faso (formerly known as the Upper Volta), is packed with buoyant synth-guitar-drum machine excursions that will certainly brighten your day and put a spring in your step. William Onyeabor fans will approve. Turn it all the way up.
LE TROUBADOUR DE LA SAVANE 1978-1980 by PIERRE SANDWIDI
Tohru Aizawa Quartet / Tachibana: The liners describe the musicians here as “amateurs” but if these guys are amateurs, to hell with the professionals. Tachibana was recorded in the mid-1970s and released in very small quantities in Japan, soon becoming a sought-after collector’s item. The Tohru Aizawa Quartet seem to have fully absorbed the transcendent/incandescent vibes of Coltrane’s mid-60s period, and they use that classic sound as a launchpad for some roller-coaster fire music.
Tachibana by Tohru Aizawa Quartet
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