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The Squid's Ear Magazine

Cleaver, Gerald

Griots

Cleaver, Gerald : Griots (577 Records)

Drummer Gerald Cleaver continues his explorations in electronic music, taking his compositions of modular electronics, synthesis, FM tones, and muted drum machines into intricate and wide-ranging territory, compelling through the solid and natural rhythms he imparts to each piece, many of which are titled for musicians who have influenced him.
 

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product information:

Personnel:



Gerald Cleaver-composer, performer


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UPC: 755491199497

Label: 577 Records
Catalog ID: CD-PEREC-004
Squidco Product Code: 30369

Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2021
Country: USA
Packaging: Digipack
Recorded in Brooklyn, New York. in 2020.

Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

"Expanding on 2020's Signs, his electronic debut, Griots see Cleaver diving further into the spider's web of modular electronics, further exploring the electronic history of his Detroit roots. Combining his unique talent for composition with a curious ear for the unpredictable, Cleaver delivers another outstandingly dense and sprawling LP for a split release by Brooklyn-based Positive Elevation and Belgium's Meakusma.

Sonically, the LP takes in a wide range of ideas and influences, blending them in a flurry of unruly synthesis, FM tones, and muted drum machines. From the growling experimentation of opening track and lead single 'Cooper-Moore' to the glitchy 8-bit nods of the second single 'Galaxy Faruq', through to closing track 'Buena Vista', unusual scales, modes, and meters reign supreme across 'Griots', making for a thrilling, engaging, and challenging listen.

Born and raised in Detroit, Gerald Cleaver is a product of the Motor City's rich musical history. Wildly prolific, Cleaver has performed and recorded with a wide variety of artists, including Tommy Flanagan, Daniel Carter, Bill Frisell and more, chalking up a commendable discography throughout a career nearing twenty years."-Positive Elevation



"This record is shout-out to some people that had a deep impact on me. Faruq Z. Bey, out from behind the face paint, pushing his motorcycle up Cass Ave., William Parker in numerous musical poses and always with the wisdom. Geri Allen was a legend at Cass Tech. Her example to me was be great and pursue the mystery.Everyone named on the record has something very special. It can't be described fully. These songs are my attempt.

I want to recognize David Virelles and Ambrose Akinmusire as being very important to my developmental process for this project, and I respect them highly as musicians.Cooper-Moore is straight fire.

This is not meant to be a tribute record, just an acknowledgment of the circular nature of inspiration.

Most of these songs were produced April-May 2020, at the height of the pandemicIt is very important to me to stress the importance of Tribe. Community is everything."- Gerald Cleaver

Also available on vinyl LP.

Artist Biographies

"Gerald Cleaver (born May 4, 1963) is an African-American jazz drummer from Detroit, Michigan. Cleaver's father is drummer John Cleaver Jr., originally from Springfield, Ohio, and his mother was from Greenwood, Mississippi. Gerald had six older siblings. Cleaver joined the jazz faculty at the University of Michigan in 1995. He has performed or recorded with Joe Morris, Mat Maneri, Roscoe Mitchell, Miroslav Vitous, Michael Formanek, Tomasz Sta ko, Franck Amsallem and others.

Under the name Veil of Names, Cleaver released an album called Adjust on the Fresh Sounds New Talent label in 2001. It featured Maneri, Ben Monder, Andrew Bishop, Craig Taborn and Reid Anderson and was a Best Debut Recording Nominee by the Jazz Journalists Association. Cleaver currently leads the groups Uncle June, Black Host, Violet Hour and NiMbNl as well as working as a sideman with many different artists."

-Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Cleaver_(musician))
11/18/2024

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.


Track Listing:



1. Cooper-Moore 5:19

2. Bond 5:35

3. Virelles (featuring David Virelles) 8:13

4. Remembrances (for Mom) 5:08

5. Tribe 5:09

6. Victor Lewis 5:01

7. Geri Allen 5:18

8. Galaxy Faruq (for Faruq Z. Bey) 6:28

9. William Parker 4:45

10. Akinmusire (featuring Ambrose Akinmusire) 5:27

11. Buena Vista 4:40

Related Categories of Interest:


Electro-Acoustic
Electroacoustic Composition
Electronica
Percussion & Drums
NY Downtown & Metropolitan Jazz/Improv
Solo Artist Recordings
New in Experimental & Electronic Music
Top Sellers for 2021 by Customer Sales

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577 Records.

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The Squid's Ear Magazine

The Squid's Ear Magazine

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