The Drip

Recorded with seven other prominent West-Canadian Jazz musicians and featuring vocalist Karimah, this latest release by Canadian-Brazilian bassist Rubim de Toledo is an album of fusion. Jazz melodies and rhythms often associated with Brazilian, Cuban and West African traditions are paired and interweaved, creating an album that could be described as World Jazz. De Toledo combines these sounds expertly, the percussion in ‘Out from Under’, for instance, is strongly influenced by Afrobeats and songo, a groovy bass and keyboard melody inspired by Cuba runs through ‘Danza para los Difuntos’ and ‘Freedom Ain’t the Same (feat Karimah)’ has a funky Brazilian feel.

Although the album is anchored in jazz, the fast tempos created by the bass, the djembé, timbales and congas, among other percussion (the importance of which is highlighted on the album cover), renders the album’s feel distinct and refreshing, as in the title-track. De Toledo holds several impressive accolades and has played with some of the most distinguished jazz musicians of his generation. The Drip brings together his expertise and years of musical experience.