"The Catch of a Ghost" is a captivating live album that showcases the extraordinary collaboration between German saxophonist Peter Brötzmann, Moroccan guembri master Maâlem Mokhtar Gania, and American drummer Hamid Drake. Recorded in May 2019 at the Centro di Ricerca Musicale / Teatro San Leonardo in Bologna, Italy, during the AngelicA Festival Internazionale di Musica, this album is a testament to the power of cross-cultural musical dialogue.
The album features four extended improvisations that blend the raw energy of free jazz with the trance-inducing rhythms and melodies of Gnawa music. Peter Brötzmann's tenor saxophone and tarogato wail and moan, while Mokhtar Gania's guembri and voice provide a hypnotic foundation, and Hamid Drake's drums drive the music forward with a relentless, yet sensitive, pulse.
"The Catch of a Ghost" is not just a meeting of minds, but also a reunion of sorts. Brötzmann and Drake have a long history of playing together, and they previously recorded with Mokhtar Gania's late brother, Mahmoud, over two decades ago. This album is a celebration of their shared musical history and a testament to the enduring power of their collaboration.
With a running time of over an hour, "The Catch of a Ghost" is a challenging and rewarding listen. It's a live album that captures the energy and spontaneity of a live performance, while also showcasing the deep musical understanding and chemistry between the three musicians. Whether you're a fan of free jazz, world music, or just great music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
