Sahara by Potsch Potschka

On his third album former founding member of Spliff and sideman of Nina Hagen Potsch Potschka once again proves himself as a thoughtful, brilliantly skilled and sensitive guitarist. On "Sahara", his third outing for Prudence, he masterly combines influences from various musical cultures to an enormously exciting melange. Whereas his debut for the label, "The Journey" and its follow-up "Vamos" had been a remarkable trips through ambient soundscapes and flamenco sketches, he now shows his love for North African music and emphasizes his concern for multicultural matters even more: With a wide choice of North African string- and percussion instruments like udu, djembe, cajon and dabruka he now explores the melodic and rhythmic depths of the Arabian world. Among the fine group of guest musicians like the renowned Turkish percussionist Minas Suluyan, there is Egyptian vocalist Nasser Kilada, who lends Potsch’s compositions additional authenticity through his fascinating onomatopoeic singing. "Sahara" is a wonderful album full of stylistic surprises and musical highlights. Potsch’s 13 new pieces will lure the listener into the mystical oriental world of Arabia’s Bazars and caravanserais.