BushAppeal – The Thinkers
Available Now On:
Tracks
1. Soundcheck
2. In da Bush
3. Esther in Joburg
4. Capetown-Bay
5. Thando
6. Our Continent
7. Ritual
8. Borneo
9. échange
10. Bekind
About New Album
You can listen to the preview of this album on this page. Full audio version is available on streaming platforms. The purchase of this work is available on Bandcamp.
A transcultural music project by The Thinkers (Esther Flückiger, Mabeleng Moholo and Volley Nchabeleng) , in which Flückiger’s career from classical to contemporary music, jazz and ethno music enriches the entire listening experience.
The title “BushAppeal” refers to the unique characteristic of this music in which the trio has succeeded in merging the sound of the grand piano with traditional African percussion, wind and string instruments and their voices.
Esther Flückiger, Mabeleng Moholo and Volley Nchabeleng drew on their musical backgrounds and experiences in Johannesburg in 2023. Their music, composed and improvised, has divergent roots and influences. They explored different spheres, rituals and tributes and created a music that reflects the heart of African culture and current human reality. A music in which the three musicians tell each other about their past, pain, hope, dreams and enlightenment. In intensive interplay the musicians were immersed in a wide spectrum of sounds, voices, rhythms and polyrhythmic structures. They created a pulsating musical language and narration, delving into a innovative cross-genre communication.
Sometimes the piano leads, at other times the music is driven by the rhythms and sounds of the two multi-instrumentalists, creating an exciting and often fiery interaction. A new and surprising listening sensation that leaves the concept of fusion far behind.
Esther Flückiger, pianist, composer, improviser
Her creative ideas are unlimited and she is continuously experimenting new musical directions and emotional music challenges, avoiding previous musical paths. She focuses on the interpretation of classical/contemporary/electronic music, improvisation and plays solo as well as in formations of different musical directions.
She performs on all continents and has developed many successful interdisciplinary projects and has recorded CDs for Nuova Era, Pentaphon, Altrisuoni, Leorecords and more. Flückiger is also known as a promoter of women’s music in Europe, America and Asia. She is currently working on new projects with the following renowned musicians: Ferdinando Faraò, Lukas Ligeti, Nonku Phiri, Mabeleng Moholo, Volley Nchabaleng.
She is on the AGON Board of Directors Milan.
Mabeleng Moholo, percussionist, musician, indigenous musical instruments manufacturer (Beleproductions), is one of South Africa’s important voices that remain committed to the recognition of our indigenous music and ensuring that generations to come embrace who they truly are through music and the Arts in general. He has performed with established artists in many countries. In 2019 he was honoured by the National Arts Council of South Africa for his Medumo Ya Africa Indigenous Music.
Volley Nchabeleng, multi-instrumentalist, composer, percussionist, is one of multi-talented and versatile international percussionist in his right. With about 25 years of experience touring the globe as ambassador of African sound, sharing and collacting African indigenous instruments, amazing performer, teacher and producer.
Nchabeleng composed also music for couple of theatre productions. His focus is on indigenous musical instruments collections and teaching coming generation, composing and playing around the world.
Credits
Mabeleng Moholo – african percussion and windinstruments, vocal
Volley Nchabeleng – african percussion and windinstruments, vocal
Esther Flückiger – Piano and prepared piano
Compositions by Esther Flückiger, Mabeleng Moholo and Volley Nchabeleng
Recorded – December 11, 2023, Howard Audio Studio, Johannesburg/SA
Soundengineer – Thanduxolo Magwaza
Mixed and mastered – Riccardo Mazza at Experimental Studios Turin/IT
Cover Photo – Esther Flückiger
Editing – Anne Conway