It has always been difficult from here to imagine a hot Chicago summer in 1973. In the meantime it has become even more impossible, the wall between the times is simply there. This insane recording by Malauwi and his ensemble hits you with all the more force, there is a rebellion, a being-alive and above all a FAITH in it that is incredibly rousing. »Malauwi« is a rip-roaring thing. Think Eddie Gale’s »Black Rhythm Happening«: ghetto ass jazz music with soul, gospel and Latino influences only from the Art Ensemble ambiance and not from Brooklyn. Pure rhythm, pure power, really ey. Why are we only hearing about it now? The usual stuff. Maulawi Nururdin, the saxophonist who also played oboe, piano, drums and so on, was ahead of his time. Too much funk, too much Latin for that time, people just didn’t get along. (Finally something you can imagine). Strata finally released his self-titled debut album shortly before the label broke. In the meantime, the New York digger Amir Abdullah manages the catalogue of the legendary label. Luckily, he’s no bum and has now made »Malauwi« available to the public for under 1,000 EUR. The people needs music like this!
Maulawi
