Wilen, Barney
Moshi (2lp+dvd)
Repress! In 1970 Barney Wilen assembled a team of filmmakers, technicians and musicians to travel to Africa in order to record the music of the native pygmy tribes. Upon returning to Paris, two years later, he created 'Moshi', a dark, eccentric effort fusing avant-jazz sensibilities with African rhythms, ambient sound effects and melodies rooted in American blues traditions. Cut with French and African players, including guitarist Pierre Chaze, pianist Michel Graillier and percussionist Didier Leon, this is music with few precedents or followers, spanning from extraterrestrial dissonance to earthbound, streetlegal funk. The set includes a 20-page booklet with rare pictures, sheet music and original liner notes. The DVD includes Caroline de Bendern's movie 'A L'Intention De Mlle Issoufou A Bilma', documenting this incredible African journey.