For some reason when I first got a hold of “Dawn” I mistook “Build an Ark” for “Like A Tim” because of the name. That’s why my first listen to the album was a story of shock, as this is a very soulful and organic album as opposed to “Like A Tim”s electronic techno music. A few minutes later I figured out that they were two different acts (I’m so bright) and found out Build an Ark is a huge project led by Ammoncontact’s Carlos Nino which includes musicians like the 73 year old legend Big Black himself on percussions, Dwight Trible on vocals, Nate Morgan on piano, Phil Ranelin on trombone adding up to a staggering total cast of around 30 musicians.

“Dawn” includes 10 tracks, two covers from Pharoah Sanders, and one of Big Black’s own “Love, Sweet Like Sugar Cane” (which might be the best one on the album) and the rest are original compositions. The music is a take on the 70’s spiritual cosmic jazz & black soul and gospel choruses, with a little bit of eastern & flower child mentality altogether molded into an ethereal album, a manifesto of peace and global human consciousness.

There’s no possibility to add more to this album by adding more to this review, simply put not listening to “Dawn” at least once should be a criminal offense. Out on Kindred Spirits this record has been ‘dedicated’ to John and Alice Coltrane, and it’s such a sweet and heartfelt dedication I’m really happy to have been a part of this love even if only as a listener.

BTW, The third song I shared down here is from their debut album “Peace With Every Step” which I’m thinking of buying right after finishing this review.

Build an Ark – Love Like Sugar Cane
Build an Ark – Dawn
Build an Ark – Precious, Priceless