BROWN,RICH
NYAEBA (ORANGE MARBLE) - LP

UPC: 5065014356777
Label: WHIRLWIND
Format: LP
Release Date: March 6, 2026
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Rich Brown bought his first six-string bass in 1999, "Everyone made
fun of me" he recalls with a characteristically warm smile - since then
he's established a reputation as first-call player for the leaders of an
impressive variety of adventurous projects, from Steve Coleman to
Rudresh Mahanthappa to James 'Blood' Ulmer. Over the past two
years, whenever time allows, he's been paying regular visits to the
studio of his friend, the guitarist and producer Elmer Ferrer. Away
from the pressures of the commercial industry, Rich seized the
opportunity to explore and expand the vocabulary of his instrument.
'NYAEBA' took shape: written and performed entirely on the bass
guitar. Rich drew inspiration from the many remarkable musicians
he's supported as a bassist, or encountered in the richly multicultural
music scene in his adopted hometown of Toronto. Throughout the
album, the commitment to melody and story ensures that the
technique, though prodigious, never overshadows the tale. Each tune
was built up with multiple tracks in the studio, with no looping or
sequencing involved. The sonic versatility on display is astounding,
but the album retains the organic, intimate feel of a performance.
This album will no doubt sit comfortably among the essential solo
bass albums, showcasing what's possible on the instrument. While
many solo bass records center the instrument itself, what's unique
about Rich's approach is that he puts the composition and music
first, using the electric bass as the vehicle. With a focus on texture,
movement and melody, and a striking range of voices, this is not your
average electric bass album.

TRACK LIST:

1.
Ukudlala 03:06
2.
The Sum of Our Tears (Gently Falling) 06:25
3.
Heart of a Lonely Woman 04:03
4.
Nyaeba (The Griot) 01:35
5.
Kalagala Ebwembe 03:49
6.
Sowetoiera 04:00
7.
Turiyasangitananda – The Transcendental Lord's Highest Song of Bliss (Meditation for Alice Coltrane) 06:57
8.
The Kingdom of Heaven is Within 05:37