ivan 'mamão' conti & grassmass: natural
Francisco Espregueira
Based in Amsterdam and born out of the Rush Hour power house of quality music, New Dawn is a label releasing some very interesting records, starting with the unique Zé Manel & 2M G-B record from last year. They now present Natural, bringing together legendary master drummer Ivan ‘Mamão’ Conti with Brazilian producer grassmass on two experimental funk monsters of the highest order.
Natural is a perfect illustration of Conti’s (one of Azymuth’s founding members) constant desire to push his signature sound towards the future. grassmass is a special partner in crime, adding flavours of funk experimentalism to intricate drumming sequences. The Recife/São Paulo based bass player, producer and founder of experimental label UIVO Records, is not only a long time collaborator with influential names like Naná Vasconcelos, Arto Lindsay and Ivan Conti “Mamão”, but also hosts projects with some of today's brazilian edgiest talents Negro Leo and Thiago Nassif. These two music heads provide a sound that takes from the infinitely richness of brazilian musical heritage, decomposing and presenting it in a surprising way. Unmissable. Natural is available on vinyl.