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Griots, Gerald Cleaver

By A Mystery Man Writer

Last updated 10 May 2024

Expanding on 2020’s ‘Signs’, his electronic debut, ‘Griots’ see Cleaver diving further into the spider’s web of modular electronics, further exploring the electronic history of his Detroit roots. Combining his unique talent for composition with a curious ear for the unpredictable, Cleaver delivers another outstandingly dense and sprawling LP for a split release by Brooklyn-based Positive Elevation and Belgium’s Meakusma. Sonically, the LP takes in a wide range of ideas and influences, blending them in a flurry of unruly synthesis, FM tones, and muted drum machines. From the growling experimentation of opening track and lead single ‘Cooper-Moore’ to the glitchy 8-bit nods of the second single ‘Galaxy Faruq’, through to closing track ‘Buena Vista’, unusual scales, modes, and meters reign supreme across ‘Griots’, making for a thrilling, engaging, and challenging listen. Born and raised in Detroit, Gerald Cleaver is a product of the Motor City’s rich musical history. Wildly prolific, Cleaver has performed and recorded with a wide variety of artists, including Tommy Flanagan, Daniel Carter, Bill Frisell and more, chalking up a commendable discography throughout a career nearing twenty years. “This record is shout-out to some people that had a deep impact on me. Faruq Z. Bey, out from behind the face paint, pushing his motorcycle up Cass Ave., William Parker in numerous musical poses and always with the wisdom. Geri Allen was a legend at Cass Tech. Her example to me was be great and pursue the mystery. Everyone named on the record has something very special. It can’t be described fully. These songs are my attempt. I want to recognize David Virelles and Ambrose Akinmusire as being very important to my developmental process for this project, and I respect them highly as musicians. Cooper-Moore is straight fire. Victor Lewis is my Hero. My Mentor. This is not meant to be a tribute record, just an acknowledgment of the circular nature of inspiration. Most of these songs were produced April-May 2020, at the height of the pandemic. It is very important to me to stress the importance of Tribe. Community is everything.” - Gerald Cleaver Celebrating Gerald Cleaver’s new chapter in forward-thinking experimentations, NYC based composer, producer, and performer Hprizm will release his new album ‘Signs Remixed’ on June 18th via Positive Elevation. Celebrating Gerald Cleaver’s new chapter in forward-thinking experimentations, NYC based composer, producer, and performer Hprizm will release his new album ‘Signs Remixed’ on June 18th via Positive Elevation.