London-based Afro-Latin quintet Waaju follow-up the group’s 2018 breakthrough self-titled debut LP, with a brilliant new album, titled Grown on the UK label Olindo Records.

Highly influenced by legendary Malian singer and multi-instrumentalist Ali Farka Touré, as well as music from the Caribbean and Moroccan gnawa, Waaju has continued to refine and expand their sound, blending together hand-percussion rhythms, Afrofunk grooves, hypnotic guitar melodies, and soaring horn solos. The six-track album is a melding of Latin polyrhythms, psychedelic Malian blues, and and the dancefloor-influenced jazz music that is currently coming out London.

Led by drummer and percussionist Ben Brown (Alfa Mist, Dizraeli, Ashley Henry), the group also includes percussionist Ernesto Marichales (Jordan Rakei, Sigala), guitarist Tal Janes (Nubiyan Twist, Bahla), Sam Rapley (Fabled, Maria Chiara Argiro) and Joe Downard (China Moses, Judi Jackson). English singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Will Heard also appears on the bluesy soulful track “Time’s Got A Hold”.

As the title of the album suggests, the quintet’s incredible new recording is a step-forward for the band, featuring a more refined and unique sound that is truly their own. Highly recommended!

Waaju — ‘Grown’
(Olinda Records)

1. Moleman
2. Listening Glasses
3. Rollando 06:28
4. Time’s Got A Hold (feat. Will Heard)
5. Wassoulou
6. Grown

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• Jazz Funk
• Latin
• New Releases