Roamin’

Danny Keane has spent the last decade abseiling across the face of world music, working with Anoushka Shankar, Nitin Sawhney and Gorillaz among countless others, while still finding time to perform as a soloist with various symphony orchestras. On his solo debut, Roamin’, the London-based cellist, pianist and composer takes us on a trip around his musical world in a sonic adventure that spans free jazz, African rhythms, Indian tradition, North African souk and conservatoire-trained classicism and contemporary dance music.

The mood over the 11 pieces ranges from ambient to ferocious and support comes from every corner of London’s multi-ethnic musical community, including members of Sons of Kemet and the Heliocentrics, plus percussionist Pirashanna Thevarajah, who has accompanied the Shankars père et fille, and trumpeter extraordinaire Byron Wallen. Best of all is a thrilling guest appearance by legendary Ethio-jazz vibraphonist Mulatu Astatke on ‘Addis’. Keane’s own virtuosity is evident on the aptly titled ‘Afro Cello’ while Ajoyo’ is a journey into the heart of West African tradition augmented by jazz horns. The mostly instrumental set is leavened by the pure folk vocals of his aunt Jane Keane on a haunting version of the trad ballad ‘The Water is Wide’. Dazzling.