Gigi Albums (4)
'Illuminated Audio'
Release Date 3/10/2003
Tracks 10
Label Palm Pictures
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The original release of Gigi's self-titled record on Palm represented a mix of restraint and brashness on the part of producer Bill Laswell. On one hand, Laswell brought in countless all-stars, such as fusion legends (and longtime collaborators) Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter -- bold additions to Ethiopian pop music, to be sure. On the other hand, he also resisted the urge to create his usual loopy soundscapes, opting instead to have all of the musicians play their parts live. With Illuminated Audio, Laswell remixes Gigi in his more usual voice -- a "reconstruction and mix translation." For better or worse, the results are heartily disconnected from the original and sound like pure Laswell: a swirling, ethereal ambient blend of voices, instrumental and literal. It is pleasant music, to be sure, though seems more like simply a new entry in Laswell's ongoing remix project than a wholly original work. ~ Jesse Jarnow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
There are essentially two schools of thought when it comes to world music: the purists who believe that ancient musical traditions must remain undiluted to survive, and the fusionists who believe that it is the ability of artists to adapt their cultural traditions to modern tastes that will allow them to survive. Though often blasted by traditionalists for his trademark world music collusions, bassist/producer Bill Laswell has done a remarkable job of straddling the lines dividing these two camps, working with world music favorites like the Master Musicians of Jajouka, Simon Shaheen, and Foday Muso Suso to concoct heady stylistic brews that update their respective traditions for 21st century audiences. Laswell's latest discovery is 27-year-old Ejigayehu "Gigi" Shibabaw, a stunning Ethiopian singer whose self-titled debut establishes her as one of Africa's most accomplished young artists. Her mellifluous vocals are backed by an impressive multicultural lineup that includes Laswell on bass; guitarist Nicky Skopelitis; saxophonists Wayne Shorter, Pharoah Sanders, and Henry Threadgill; and percussionists Aiyb Dieng and Karsh Kale. But the emphasis here is on Gigi's voice, which moves from soaring melodic passages to a breathy falsetto over songs that combine her native traditions with elements of funk, dub, soul, and West African and Indian sounds. From the exuberant buoyancy of "Gud Fella" to the syncopated urgency of "Aynama" to the beautifully soulful balladry of "Adwa," this is the rare debut that sounds like a fully formed artist, ready and eager for her time in the international music spotlight. ~ Bret Love, All Music Guide
