Something Good - The Album This album has been an absolute joy to make from the beginning to the end... Last week we finished the final stage of mastering and sent off the final tracks for production and distribution, which wraps up an intense creative time for us!
There are a few things that set this project apart from others that we have made... This is the third Sahara Jane album, and as I was thinking about the past album titles, I realized that in a way, they say it all. The first album came out in 2013, a country folk album called Lonesome Sky, and five years later we did Between Worlds a global fusion album that bounced between Western, Indian and Persian instruments and styles. And the new one is called Something Good. That must be a sign that things are looking up!
It feels to me that this album is less about exploring styles, genre and boundaries, but instead refuses to recognize them at all. It feels integrated. When people hear these songs, they sometimes call our sound trip hop. If that isn't a style you are familiar with, well, I think they are referring to the layering of sounds and styles. It is not an exact description of our sound, but when it is out, have a listen and see if you can help us with our genre problem. We do not actually know what to call it...
Something Good features Ken's beats and bass and my vocals and lyrics, but there are a lot of other layers in it too. It has electronic pads and drones as well as acoustic instruments. Ken plays the tabla (a pair of drums from India) on a number of songs, and my sarangi (bowed string instrument from South Asia) is featured on a few. Some of my favourite elements are a percussion track that Ken made on a typewriter from the 1940s, and his Udu drum solo. On the first song, we play an interlocking "caruk" pattern on instruments from the Gamelan (a gong orchestra from Indonesia), which gives it a sweet and laid back feel. This project has taken us many places, and likewise it comes from many places. The whole process leaves us feeling so grateful for the years of playing, learning and being blessed with great teachers and great musicians who have encouraged us and inspired us.
We are going to release it on all streaming services, on CD, and we are still thinking about other options, so if you have any strong feelings about vinyl or USB, do let me know. Oh, also, the artwork!! Ken made that. It totally captures the vibe. He really blows me away!! :)
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