Ivan Mazuze is originally from Mozambique, but now lives in Oslo, Norway. Penuka is an album of double intercultural crossings, paying homage to the Indian and Arab influences in black African music, then passing all this initial ecumenism through the view of contemporary jazz. The result is a fine fusion of influences, in which Carnatic chant and Arab melodies accompany harmonies that look to Mahavishnu or Weather Report, while a saxophone seems to be tinged with Gnawa sounds.
A window on Oslo’s world music scene that’s not always of equal interest, but full of enough surprises to keep you listening all the way.
