Drummer and bandleader Jack DeJohnette will launch his new label, Golden Beams Productions, with two releases on April 26: Music from the Hearts of the Masters, a duet with Gambian Kora player Foday Musa Suso, and Music in the Key of Om, a CD for relaxation.
DeJohnette decided to create and release Music from the Hearts of the Masters after hearing a duet album between Suso and Herbie Hancock, titled Village Life, in the 1980s. Music from the Hearts of the Masters features the Kora, an instrument that sounds similar to a harp but is played in a manner resembling that of the flamenco guitar, in a unique surrounding of world beat, global chill and contemporary improvised music. This album is the first of DeJohnette’s “Art of the Duo” projects on Golden Beams. Collaborations with percussionist Don Alias, Ben Surman and Brazilian Indian vocalist Marlui Miranda are also planned.
Music in the Key of Om was created for relaxation and meditation at the behest of DeJohnette’s wife, a healer, who wanted music to play for her clients during massage or meditation. The album features a new line of instruments developed with the Sabian cymbal company, resonating bells, along with a synthesizer.
Golden Beams will continue to highlight DeJohnette’s varied interests and work with releases ranging from Africa, Brazilian, electronic, drum & bass and meditation.
Golden Beams will be managed by Now Forward Music, which also manages Dreyfus Records.
