yoni mayraz: dogs bark babies cry
Francisco Espregueira
Keyboardist and producer Yoni Mayraz makes a highly anticipated return with his new album, Dogs Bark Babies Cry, set for release next friday, via Pino Palladino and David Passick's PPK Records. Following his breakout debut, Dybbuk Tse!, Mayraz pushes his singular sound into deeper, wilder territory, creating a bold statement built on tightly structured compositions and grooves. Recorded live at North London's legendary Konk Studios, the album makes full use of the vintage gear and dark wooden acoustics, capturing a unique moment in time. Mayraz explains that the album's title signifies "the moment when a commotion takes place," an ominous yet natural sound that can be heard from afar, hinting at the album's aural richness.
Dogs Bark Babies Cry showcases Mayraz at his most daring and refined, a dense yet delicate listening experience that cements his place as one of the most vital new voices in contemporary jazz and instrumental music. The album masterfully weaves together 90s hip-hop, Middle Eastern textures, and electronic soundscapes, all while echoing the legacy of the great 70s jazz-funk trios. Backed by his long-time collaborators, bassist Tom Driessler and drummer Zoe Pascal, the record also features a standout cast of guests, including Fly Anakin, Tenderlonious, Miriam Adefris, JSPHYNX, and Callum Connell. Mayraz sums up the project simply, but powerfully: "it's full of feeling," a sentiment that resonates through every track and every note. Available on vinyl, of course.
“The whole album is an exploration of internal tension - fears and desires, beauty and decay.”