william rusere and various

Shona Folk Melodies

District 6 cemented it's reputation with various twelve inches from the likes of Metamatics and Anthony Manning. After a lenghty absence, District 6 returns with a bold new direction. 'Shona Folk Melodies' is a collection of mbira music. The mbira (or sanza/kikembe/likembe) is more commonly known in the west as the african thumb piano. The man behind it all is Zimbabwe's William Rusere, an mbira maestro who has shared the stage with Ladysmith Black Mambazo among others. As well as three original pieces there are some surpising remixes. First up is Mils who supplies a subtle reworking of 'Nhemamusasa'. Burnt Friedmann is next with crsip, swing based mix featuring Joseph Suchy on guitar. After an argentinian folk mix comes a rare remix outing for the inimitable Plaid. Ed and Andy are on fine form with their beautiful dissection of 'Bukatiende'. A soul-satisfying collection of thumb piano pieces. Recommended.