London based Zara McFarlane ‘s third album ‘Arise’ is another step in the mature progression of this highly respected singer/songwriter. Drawing on influences ranging from the reggae that she was exposed to as a child to the Jazz scene as well as her own explorations into her Caribbean roots, this album is stylistically shifting but has that Islands vibe always at its heart. Her –at times whispered – voice works so well with the music, especially on the more afrojazz offering ‘Pride’ while the echoey dub of ‘Fusin And Fightin’ is infectious. Nora Dean’s ‘Peace Begins Within’ is a delightful, delicate jazz dancer, ‘In Between Worlds’ has an otherworldly feel in parts, dipping in and out shades while the sublime, cosmic ‘Silhouette’ featuring Shabaka Hutchings wouldn’t sound out of place on a Matthew Halsall album. The percussive, Afro-beat ‘Ode To Cyril’ closes this really strong set of inspired sounds.
Track listings:
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01 Ode To Kumina by Zara McFarlane
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02 Pride by Zara McFarlane
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03 Fussin’ & Fightin’ by Zara McFarlane
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04 Peace Begins Within by Zara McFarlane
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05 Stoke The Fire by Zara McFarlane
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06 Freedom Chain by Zara McFarlane
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07 Allies Or Enemies by Zara McFarlane
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08 In Between Worlds by Zara McFarlane
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09 Silhouette (feat Shabaka Hutchings) by Zara McFarlane
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10 Fisherman by Zara McFarlane
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11 Ode To Cyril by Zara McFarlane
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