El-Magharbel, Zekkereya / Daytimes / Nighttimes
Album: Daytimes / Nighttimes   Collection:A-File
Artist:El-Magharbel, Zekkereya   Added:Aug 2023
Label:Dinzu Artefacts  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2024-04-28 Pull Date: 2024-06-30

Album Review
DJ Away
Reviewed 2023-08-20
Two texturally rich longform compositions using trombone and the SP-404 sampling workstation. Zekkereya El-magharbel, currently based in Detroit, spent several years with the legendary LA-based Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra (founded by Horace Tapscott). Here they explore microtonal tuning systems, looking beyond both Western equal temperament and Islamic 24-step tuning. RIYL Butch Morris, Tyshawn Sorey, George Lewis, Celer, William Basinski. I recommend starting with 1. No words, no FCCs.

1. *(31:16)—Soft, grainy, pulsing loops. Dreamy, subtle, pretty and calming but not treacly. The last several minutes are very reminiscent of Celer. Dedicated to John Coltrane: "The geometric patterns explored by Coltrane abolish tonality, while still preserving a strong functionally harmonic core; the most elegant algorithm."
2. (30:28)—Noisier and intense but not harsh. Like the sound of a storm outside. A density of tonal layers. In El-magharbel's words, "an exploration of timelessness through the oversaturation of melody and harmony."

Track Listing
1. Daytimes (31:16)   2. Nighttimes (30:28)