If you’re into the electronic dub hybrids, you can never go wrong with the Nonplace labeled managed by none other than Bernd Friedmann himself. His Burnt Friedman releases and especially his work with Can’s Jaki Liebezeit are cornerstones of this sonic space that takes Jamaican dub further with added electronics.

His Nonplace partner in crime, multi-instrumentalist Hayden Chisholm - who’s been here before with his Root 70 project- has added new blood to Root 70, christened it as The Embassadors and set out to “Heal the Music“.

Assisting Mr. Chisholm who plays the keys & sax are the usual suspects: trombonist Nils Wogram, bassist Matt Penman, a Scofield collaborator, drummer Jochen Rückert and new members: violinist Gareth Lubbe cellist Claudio Bohorquez and finally the voice of this motley crew of artists from New Zealand, Peru, South Africa and Germany, Michael Ongaru native of Nairobi, Kenya.

Everything seems optimum for an exciting release, and indeed it is with powerful heartfelt vocals and emotive instrumental music. Yet after a few listens I think it needs a bit of a variety as an album, as once you listen it from head to toe it may sound a bit homogenous. Still a fresh fusion of world music & electronics (and it’s not cheap HMV world music) and it has some exquisite moments that needs to be heard.

The Embassadors - Chema Chajiuza
The Embassadors - Tenda Wema Dub