Description
2021, 2×12″ LP, Strut.
Leeds and London-based fusionists Nubiyan Twist has a great track record, but even by their dizzyingly high standards, Freedom Fables is extra-special. Akin to a soul-fired smorgasbord of intertwining influences and inspirations, it sees the 12-piece ensemble joined by a string of headline-grabbing guest vocalists and musicians (think Ria Moran, Pat Thomas, Cherise and K.O.G) to effortlessly join the dots between soul, Afrobeat, Highlife, jazz-funk, dancefloor jazz, hip-hop soul and much more besides. The results are uniformly outstanding, with our picks including raucous Afrobeat-meets-jazz workout ‘If I Know’, the dreamy hip-hop-soul of ‘Buckle Up’, and the slick, high octane jazz-soul fusion of ‘Wipe Away Tears’. Undoubtedly one of the most entertaining albums we’ve heard so far this year. – Juno
