At heart an Indofusion band project although there’s more to it than that with styles from Spain, Mozambique and the Lebanon integrated in the sound that might be seen to sit alongside some of Trilok Gurtu’s work or the Zawinul Syndicate innovations although it’s clubbier than these. Winningly percussion-heavy Bugge is joined by guitarist Josemi Carmona (known for his work with Dave Holland and Pepe Habichuela), bassist Shrikant Shriram (Badmarsh and Shri), Vivek Rajagoplan on mridangam, Khaled Yassine darbuka, and Amade Cossa djembe, with vocalist guests. Recorded mainly in South Africa and Mozambique last May compositions are largely collaborative, the title track Wesseltoft’s own ‘My World is OK’ with its funky undertow while Carmona’s piece ‘Josemi’ has dark flamenco flavours and ‘130 Steps’ Sri has co-written has more of an Eberhard Weber-like vibe. There’s plenty of Indofusion and great rhythmic excursions (eg ‘Sharanagati’) and an all-pervasive absorbing atmosphere that draws you in to Bugge’s remarkable mountain-moving world. SG
Released on 31 March