byron the aquarius: ambrosia
Francisco Espregueira
This is the third time we cover a Byron The Aquarius’ release in 2020. Of course, we intend to showcase as many different artists as we can, but geniality cannot be denied to our eclectic public. Following What Up Doe? Vol. 1 on Shall Not Fade and Apron EP on Apron Records, the Atlanta producer joins Jeff Mill’s legendary Axis Records to deliver one of the albums of the year - one that we will come back to over and over again for many more -, Ambrosia.
We go back to January: Byron gathers a group of friend musicians in Atlanta, his hometown, for a few sessions at Patchwerk Studios under the supervision of Mills, the almighty pioneer of Detroit Techno. Creativity flowing, blending electronic elements with full live, full talented musicians such as the veteran drummer “Lil John” Roberts and his precision; the smoothness of Dashill Smith’s trumpet; the melodies of flutist Rasheeda Ali; the groove of Chocolat Costa’s bass; and the energy in the guitar played by Sheldon Ferguson. Byron engages with all of them and the result is a fantastic mix between soulful house and jazz music with a touch of blues, connecting the dots between so many points of the African-American musical heritage. Ambrosia is just… impressive… timeless. Available in vinyl, courtesy of Jeff Mills and Axis Records.