Forward-thinking UK trio Vula Viel release their sophomore
album, ‘Do Not Be Afraid’ on 25th January 2019, continuing their unique musical
journey centred around the Gyil (Ghanaian xylophone).
The band’s new set confidently weaves sparse polyrhythms and
intricate rhythm structures around bandleader Bex Burch’s Gyil lines and take
the instrument’s sound into new territory, with bassist Ruth Goller (Acoustic
Ladyland, Melt Yourself Down, Rokia Traore) and drummer Jim Hart (Cloudmakers,
Ralph Alessi, Electric Biddle) introducing a rough, post-punk edge to the
band’s sound.
In Bex’s own words: “I have loved making this music. The
incredible Dagaare systems which form the foundation have given me the
structure on which to write tunes, craft grooves and choose my own meanings.
I’ve gone deeper into what moves me in the Dagaare music, the fundamentals -
asymmetry, space and chaos. I love how Do Not Be Afraid feels - a totally
unusual and unique groove. As musicians, Ruth and Jim are incredible: They
bring passion, talent, intuition and a depth that I wouldn’t have access to
without them.”
Vula Viel was formed in 2013 by Bex Burch. After studying at
Guildhall and training as a classical percussionist, she embarked on a
life-changing three-year period living, farming and studying with xylophone
master Thomas Sekgura in Upper West Ghana; the band’s name means ‘Good is Good’
in the Dagaare language. After being mentored in the deep traditions around the
Gyil, a large African xylophone made of sacred lliga wood, Burch began the
journey to bring the instrument into her own music. The acclaimed debut Vula
Viel album in 2015, ‘Good is Good’, was the first realisation of her vision and
‘Do Not Be Afraid’ is the first set of Burch originals,written on traditional
Dagaare forms.
Described as “Ghanaian minimalism”, with the unassuming
ability to blur the lines between atmospheres – Vula Viel’s sound may nod to
Steve Reichian jazz, but influences don’t stop there: one can hear echoes of
Bill Laswell and the irresistible energy of Arthur Russell.
Website: https://vulaviel.com/
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