JDUB

Inspired by his studies of the Jewish Cantorial tradition, Brooklyn-based guitarist/vocalist Jeremiah Lockwood formed The Sway Machinery a few years ago to explore this cultural music in a modern context. Already moonlighting with Balkan Beat Box, he invited members of Antibalas and Arcade Fire along for the ride. Then the tides blew the crew to Mali for the famed Festival in the Desert, where it played with, among others, the exceptional local vocalist Khaira Arby. This record is the result of its pilgrimage. Featuring other African greats like Vieux Farka Toure and Djelimady Tounkara, this blend of African rhythms, Daptone-style ruggedness and stupendous playing helps kick off the new decade with a cross-cultural collaboration that – for all parties involved – feels perfectly at home.