Album Notes

The Beat Magazine:
"...this independent release should not be taken lightly. Few have told a musical diaspora story with such frankness and grace." ~ nego beto

"I will be playing a lot more of [this] on the air... because [it contains] a lot of beautiful music!"
~ Chico Alvarez, New World Gallery, WBAI

"A marvelous synthesis of sacred sounds! For peoples of the Afro-Atlantic world, the arts are offerings to invoke, honor, and celebrate the spiritual forces that shape our lives -- goddesses, gods, ancestors. The performative force (AXE) of these musical gifts is truly inspiring!"
~ Henry Drewal, Art Historian,
Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison

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The brain-child for this project came after Anne Pollack, leader of Magica, traveled to Bahia, Brazil. There, faced with the power of the Yoruba tradition (Candomble), Worlds Collide started taking shape as an acknowledgement of all the musical trails Pollack has been down. Layers upon layers of percussion, call and response chorus, flutes, cellos, and a forceful rhythm section are the weaving together of the rhythms and chant songs of the Candomble (Afro-Brazillian devotional tradition of Bahia).

Worlds Collide is a journey of the spirits at the musical crossing points of Brazil & Cuba, Africa & the Americas, the Caribbean, Celtic, Arab & Moorish worlds...all touched by the colors of Jazz. This music is the place where the tides cross, at the juncture of the deep human heart and the endless spirit of nature.

About the Artist...
Anne Pollack (flutist, cellist and composer) is a two-time recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Award in Jazz and Afro-Caribbean Music and has received several Meet The Composer Grants

About the Group...
With the Latin Jazz piano of Arturo OFarrill deep in the fabric of this collaboration are the crucial percussion arrangements of Carlos Valdez with Brazilian percussionists: Rita Silva, Cabello Rolim, Tzisa Coehlo and powerful lead vocals by Barbara Mendes and Tiye Giraud bringing forth a sound of full strength, deep listening and vulnerable beauty. Music that will make your body dance and spirit soar!!