"The overall theme of the album is the idea of a melting pot, each song has its own kind of flavour and different influence" - that's how guitarist Luke Koszanski describes African-fusion outfit The Senegambian Jazz Band's self-titled debut.
By building on their repertoire slowly over time, The Senegambian Jazz Band have been able to develop their skills and confidence gradually, and Koszanski credits "the support and opportunity" his band has been awarded by MAV (Multicultural Arts Victoria) as instrumental in helping the six-piece find their sound and inspiration.
The band's new album features a mix of original arrangements and some traditional songs, and Koszanski singles out one track, Sarayela, as having “a very powerful sound combined with interesting arrangements while still keeping room for instrumental improvisation."
On mostly choosing to record these songs live at Rolling Stock Recording Rooms, Koszanski explains that "it was a combination of trying to keep as much of the live vibe and feel, but overdubbing where needed, and also adding some extra keys and vocal harmonies." Post-production was also kept to a minimum to enable these songs to be replicated in a live setting.
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