Vasco Martins – Universo Da Ilha – LP

Originally conceived as a book of 6 poems that developed into a record released independently, “Universo da Ilha” sits at the cross-section of many different genres. Connecting contemporary New Age and Ambient Minimalist movements with traditional West African and Cape Verdean elements from the past (griot voices, djembe rhythms, melancholic morna), Vasco Martins constructed his own “universe” where, in spite of the isolation of the island at the time, he trascended barriers and created a global record that was ahead of its time.

Vasco Martins used his synths and drum machines, and with the help of a small group of friends (Tey Goncalves on percussion, Neney’s amazing griot voice, Luis Morais on sax and flute), he recorded this Not-Balearic-But-Atlantic Ambient odyssey on a 16-channel Peavey mixer directly to an Akai tape recorder without overdubs.

Studio Gear used: Korg MS-20, Korg MS-50, Korg Analog Sequencer, Yamaha DX-7, Roland Juno-106, Korg Delta

1st release of Canela En Surco Records, Barcelona-based label owned by Breixo Martínez & Eduardo Sánchez.

Canela En Surco Records

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