Maalem Mahmoud Guinia, Floating Points & James Holden – Marhaba

I’ve just returned from Marrakech and thoroughly enjoyed what was a perfect holiday in which I fully experienced and embraced Moroccan culture. On my return I stumbled across the latest release on James Holden’s Border Community label, in which he collaborated alongside Floating Points with traditional Gnawa musician Maalem Mahmoud Guinia. Marhaba was put together following several poolside recording sessions with Guinea and in which both Holden and Floating Points have crafted something hypnotic and rooted to the culture of Gnawa music, but also adding light electronic amendments, overdubs and sequencing. The four mid-longer length pieces are very well put together and for me, an instant reminder of a terrific holiday. Best enjoyed with a small glass of strong, sweet mint tea