World medicine groove magic Raphael Groten – POTENTIAL: This is the first time I’ve ever encountered music declared to be “world medicine groove”, but multi-instrumentalist Raphael makes it happen (in a big way), folks. Before I give you my thoughts and impressions, I (most strongly) recommend that you first watch his performance from an earlier album produced by Will Ackerman to get an up-close and personal view of his magical style…
…if you SUBSCRIBE to his YouTube channel, you will find more to enjoy (and, hopefully, there will be more as his new album releases on 1 September, 2021).
As Will Ackerman has said – “Raphael’s compositions are wonderfully spare of unnecessary ornamentation and concentrate exclusively on the essential” – the beauty of songs like the opener, “wander” will bring that home for you – you will be totally captivated just like I was… Raphael brings “the essential” right into your listening space; I predict DJ’s (of all stripes) will be playing this regularly on their programs!
The integration of bells and nature sounds with amazing vocals on the intriguing “percolate” is the most unique musical performance I have heard (yet) in 2021… and that’s truly “saying something”, as I hear a LOT of “unique”, folks.
Raphael’s guitar work gets frequent play here in my studios, primarily because of my review of his “Star Lullaby” album 3 years back… on the song “release”, you’ll enjoy his guitar again, but blended in with some (truly) award-winning spiritually moving magic!
I absolutely loved the “world” vibe on the title track, “potential”… flutes, kalimba, shakers, superb percussion and a strong sense of forward movement make this a groove you will immediately be wholly immersed in… very “danceable“, too.
I had no trouble making my choice for personal favorite of the fourteen fantastic performances Raphael offers up for your sonic enlightenment… “river’s edge” clocks in at 9:50, and (as with all the other songs) I believe it’s imperative that you listen with your headphones on… full-body and vibrations of pure reverence make this a song that should be (immediately) considered for an award!
I give Raphael a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.99 for this amazing album. Get more information as it becomes available on Raphael’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
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