Press Release from Ombiviolum
At last! The first full length album from South West based Ombiviolum, a happy caravan of musicians brought together by a mutual love of the mbira.
This highly original 9 piece orchestra brings a new twist into traditional Zimbabwean mbira music, drawing on genres as diverse as folk, reggae and classical music.
From spacious and spellbinding tracks that sweep you away on a great tide of polyphonic melody, to upbeat dance tracks full of sunshine and song, ‘A Village in the West’ is like nothing you will have encountered before. The mesmerizing melodies of Zimbabwean mbira meld seamlessly with folky riffs, funky baselines, natural soundscapes and soaring classical strings.
Ombiviolum is spearheaded by renowned movement artist and mbira player Denise Rowe (Spirit Talk Mbira, Baka Beyond). Other members include the young talents Ben and Alfie Weedon on violin and bass, multi-instrumentalists Iwan Kushka and James Watts, percussionist Allan Kerr and the strings and vocals of Becky Doe, Ailsa Hughes and Bella Lilley.
Recent gigs include Bristol Harbourside Festival, Bath Fringe, Quest and Totnes Festival.
“When we really listen to mbira music, we hear sounds and voices that aren’t even there. The Ombivioulum is our way of bringing these sounds to life.”
The album costs £10 plus p&p and comes with card wallet and booklet with artwork by Antony Wall, or £8 as a download
www.ombiviolum.com
