34. Jon Hassell- Maarifa Street: Magic Realism vol. 2

A good return to form for this avant-garde trumpettist. His last lifesign, 2003's Voiceprint saw his distinctive treated trumpetsounds being carved up in very busy electronic traffic with mixed results. Maarifa Street sees Hassell following the trail of classic albums like Possible Musics: Fourth World Vol. 1 where the jazzy multilayered sounds of Hassell lazily floated upon the introverted electronic stream, aided by low-key acoustic and electronic percussion. It's not about melodies but creating textures and in seven lengthy pieces Hassell doesn't choose for easy trips but challenging the listener at every turn. The final pieces, Darbari Bridge and Open Secret are the most accessible, reminiscent of Chemistry off Possible Musics, creating the atmosphere of a warm summer's night in the jungle.