genre: COSMIC - AFRO BEAT - WORLD MUSIC - AFRO

label: NuNorthern Soul Cat.No: NUNSSW004V

Having issued curated retrospectives focusing on the musical output of Ryo Kawasaki and Joan Bibiloni, NuNorthern Soul has now turned its attention to the vast back catalogue of Jasper Van't Hof's pioneering electro-acoustic and Afro-fusion collective, Pili Pili.
The band was founded in 1984 by Van't Hof, a Dutch pianist who began his career on the European jazz scene in the late-60s, with the intention of combining his love of jazz-fusion and North-West African music. Van't Hof was already well-known for flitting between roles in traditional jazz outfits with more experimental and abstract projects. These included a stint in violinist Jean-Luc Ponty's early band, years spent leading Jasper Van't Hof's jazz-rock outfit Porkpie, recording an entirely electronic album (1982's Visitors) and a celebrated live album in collaboration with the great Archie Shepp, Mama Rose. Pili Pili, though, represented a further step forward for Van't Hof. Working with percussionists and vocalists from Benin and Mali (including the now-legendary Angelique Kidou) and a range of adventurous jazz soloists (amongst them saxophonist Tony Lakoto and trumpeter Annie Whitehead), Van't Hof's collective would frequently combine live and programmed percussion, electronic and acoustic instrumentation, with the talented improviser's memorable melodies and impactful solos.
NuNorthern Soul's retrospective focuses on the most productive and celebrated period in Pili Pili's almost three-decade history, showcasing tracks originally recorded and released on studio albums issued between 1984 and 2002. The six tracks showcased offer an essential glimpse into the musical richness that can be found in Pili Pili's back catalogue. In keeping with previous NuNorthern Soul retrospectives, the vinyl version of Selected Works 1984-95 is accompanied by extensive liner notes telling the remarkable story of this unusual cross-cultural collaboration. These feature extensive quotes, reflections and recollections from Jasper Van't Hof and were penned by music historian Matt Anniss. [info sheet from distribution]

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