From the sounds of their output, you might be forgiven for thinking that Black Flower hails from Ethiopia. The Belgian band is no doubt influenced by the biggest names of the Ethio-jazz tradition (Mulatu Astatke, Hailu Mergia, Mahmoud Ahmed), but synthesize a bevy of other sounds into their modern palette. Swirling horns, funky bass, and those snake charmer-esque scales, they make even the most hardened cynic blush. And with a European tour in the works coinciding with the release of their new album, Future Flora, spring is shaping up very well indeed.
But don’t take my word for it, listen to “Hora de Aksum” now:
Need more convincing? Okay, a bonus: listen to the 13-minute album closer “Future Flora” down below, too. Future Flora comes out April 12 courtesy of Sdban Ultra.
Future Flora tracklisting:
01. Early Days of Space Travel Pt. 2
02. Maloya Bud
03. Hora de Aksum
04. Clap Hands
05. Ohm Eye
06. Ankor Wat
07. Future Flora
Black Flower on tour:
04.28.19 - Brussels, BE - Les Nuits Botanique
04.30.19 - Maastricht, NL - Jazz Maastricht
05.01.19 - Odense, DK - Posten
05.02.19 - Aalborg, DK - Studenterhuset
05.03.19 - Aarhus, DK - Roots & Hybrid Festival
05.04.19 - Copenhagen, DK - Stengade
05.05.19 - Vlieland, NL - Here Comes The Summer
05.07.19 - Paris, FR - New Morning
05.17.19 - Ghent, BE - Handelsbeurs
05.23.19 - Antwerp, BE - Arenbergschouwburg
05.25.19 - Roeselare, BE - Roeselare Jazz Festival
06.08.19 - Leuven, BE - Wereldfeest
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