Words by Justin Turford
If you’re reading this here then I suspect the word ‘fusion’ isn’t such a terror to you as it can sometimes be when describing musical forms. If fusion just means taking one tradition and blending it with another to create something new then ‘Mielikki’ is fusion at it’s best and a fine and poetic record for these strangely self-absorbing times. Ararur are a Portuguese ensemble led by guitarist António Miguel Dias da Silva and they have created an album that manages to meld together many global influences into a uniquely identifiable whole. The romantic peculiarities of the Portuguese language and singer Angela Maria’s strong vocal resemblance to Brazilian samba-jazz legend Joyce naturally gives it a South American flavour (especially on lead single Promontório) but we can also hear António’s many years of musical training in Finland and Sweden. There is that discernible balance of tight yet loose arrangements of much Scandinavian jazz and in fact, the title of the album 'Mielikki' is named after the Finnish Goddess of Forests. The hot countries meet the cold countries in a beautiful collision.
Just when you think you have a handle on the songs, something unexpected happens but nothing jars such is the focus and confidence of the arrangements and playing. Promontório sounds both Celtic AND Brazilian in melody, a bodhran drum pattern joins in at points, saxophonist Joao Capinha touching on Shabaka Hutchings territory as the Joycean cadences and vocal flourishes of Angela’s voice take the lead. Throughout the album, the guitar work of António is expressive and full of genre-less invention, the simple repetitive motif on ‘Trevas Coração’ and ambient percussion takes us into Airto Moreira spaces but with a more Northern European feeling rather than Airto’s Amazonian palette. Angela’s sublime vocals once again soar and ascend the heights while the flute, cello and rhythm section hauntingly tease and play off each other. A soundtrack for the natural world.
Knowing little about Portuguese jazz leaves me unable to suggest or reference other jazz musicians from the often overlooked peninsula but I suppose it doesn’t matter really. There is much to love and recognise here as just music, as jazz and as a feeling that we receive, and there is a lot of feeling. The pared back simplicity of the title track gives centre stage to bassist Francisco Brito allied with light brush work, eventually and tentatively joined by a solitary horn, subtle guitar touches and a gentle lullaby of a climax as the vocals finally join in. Really quite lovely.
Vey often the language is the star of the show. Any passing fan of Brazilian jazz or MPB knows the endless poetry of the Portuguese language’s inflections and ‘Novelo de Lã’ is a sweet and peaceful example with it’s 60s era melody and compassionate ensemble backing. There is a kindness in this music, the album exudes calm and deep healing making ‘Mielikki’ something for me to be grateful for. Highly recommended.
BUY HERE! https://ararur.bandcamp.com/