Music / News
World fusion night at Crofters set to push musical boundaries
Crofters swaps its usual indie-rock offering for a vibrant world music experience that promises to ‘transcend cultural and musical boundaries’ at the beginning of June.
Moroccan Gnawa master Mohammed Errebbaa joins forces with Robert Plant sidekick Justin Adams for an evening of desert blues-inspired rhythms and hypnotic grooves.
The duo draw on the deep trance power of Gnawa and, backed up by a drummer, percussionists and vocalist, will deliver a bass-heavy, danceable set of traditional and original material.
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“It will be an electrifying and immersive musical journey,” Errebbaa told Bristol24/7.
Master Gnawa player Errebbaa plays the guembri, a Moroccan bass lute, while Adams has a long and impressive back catalogue of shows, collaborations and production credits
Errebbaa and Adams previously collaborated on celebrated festival sets at Greenbelt, Shambala and Womad.
“Our sound is a vibrant fusion of traditional Gnawa rhythms and melodies with the raw energy and soulful expressiveness of blues and rock,” Errebbaa said.
“The hypnotic chants and rhythms of Gnawa music intertwine with soaring guitar solos and powerful, emotive vocals. It’s a sound that is both ancient and contemporary.”
Errebbaa studied under leading musicians across Morocco’s diverse regional musical styles. He is a master of the Moroccan guembri, a three-stringed bass lute.
Adams performed as Robert Plant’s guitar sidekick in the 2000’s, and before that was a member of Jah Wobble’s Invaders of the Heart. His production credentials including world renowned desert blues outfit Tinariwen, Algerian singer and activist Rachid Taha, and his collaboration with Italian artist Mauro Durante on Still Moving won a Songlines award.
Errebbaa said collaborating with Adams has been a pleasure as well as a learning experience.
“His mastery of blues and rock guitar, his deep understanding of various musical traditions combined with his compositional skills, brings a dynamic to our music,” he said.
“Justin allows to keep the spiritual essence of Gnawa music. Our sessions are filled with creativity, mutual respect, and a shared passion for pushing musical boundaries.”
Together, Errebbaa believes, they create a special listening experience.
“The powerful combination of Gnawa’s spiritual rhythms, Justin’s evocative guitar playing, and Omar’s dynamic drumming creates an atmosphere that is both uplifting and transcendental. Chloe’s vocals and harmonies are soulful and beautiful,” he said.
“People will experience a performance that transcends cultural and musical boundaries. Prepare for a night of soaring vocals, captivating rhythms, and an unforgettable blend of sounds that will resonate with you.”
The night is a ‘grassroots fundraiser’ for Bristol Refugee Festival and the Dovetail Orchestra, a local collective of refugee and asylum seeker musicians.
Support comes from Bristol’s kora maestro Moussa Kouyate with David Mowat on trumpet.
The gig takes place on June 3 at the Crofters Rights. Find more information and tickets at www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/crofters-rights/mon-3-jun-justin-adams-mohamed-errebbaa-w-kouyate-mowat-108497#e108497
All photos: Mohamed Errebbaa
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