Confluens

Confluens (Confluence) is the new release from Brazilian singer-songwriter, Luciano Lu. Residing in Toronto, Lu’s chosen album title perfectly reflects the merging of the variety of musical styles that he has come into contact with through his travels.

Opener ‘Estrela do Mar’, takes us first to Afro-Brazil and the orixá deity tradition, with afoxé-style chants throughout. Lu’s Brazilian heritage is the musical foundation to the rest of the album, with reference to styles such as xoxada in ‘Seca Rachada’ and samba canção in ‘Liberto’. A steep departure from Brazil is ‘Nouvelle Lune’, featuring Moroccan oud player, Hassan El Hadi. A piece concentrated on the Gnawa tradition in Essaouira, ‘Nouvelle Lune’ is emblematic of the migratory nature of Confluens. With just the right amount of Brazil, West and North Africa, and more global popular forms, this album provides the perfect musical accompaniment for any world music traveller.