2020 NW Recording of the Year: “The Dance She Spoke”

Following up on their 2018 Golden Ear nod, Duende Libre has once again been so honored for its album blending West African dance rhythms and vocals in the Maninka language with jazz. As was the case in their first two recordings, the band uses jazz as a launchpad into world music culture. The core trio of Alex Chadsey (piano), Farko Dosumov (electric bass), and Jeff Busch (drums and percussion) looked to vocalist Frank Anderson to deliver the concept for the album, drawing on his studies of West African dance. Anderson and Chava Mirel provide the vocals and present the idea that music and dance are so closely connected that one can “see the music, and hear the dance.” 

Bandleader Chadsey spoke to the role that music has played during these difficult times. “When so much is taken away, you learn to appreciate what you have. When the going gets tough we need music and musicians more than ever. Music wouldn’t mean anything without a community to share it with,” he said.

https://www.earshot.org/project/2021-04-the-2020-golden-ear-and-seattle-jazz-hall-of-fame-awards/