aura safari, jimi tenor: sensory blending
Francisco Espregueira
Following up on their self-titled debut (2019), Hotel Mediterraneo (2021) and the acclaimed Island Dreams (2023), Italian outfit Aura Safari collaborates with Finnish musician Jimi Tenor to deliver a delightful surprise with Sensory Blending, out tomorrow on Hell Yeah Recordings. This unique project emerged from a chance encounter at the label’s party in Perugia, where the previously unmet artists found instant musical chemistry. The resulting nine-track journey is a vibrant fusion of jazz-funk styles, brimming with unforgettable melodies and uplifting grooves.
Tenor's psychedelic space-jazz mastery blends seamlessly with Aura Safari's tight instrumentation, creating an album that ranges from the sultry opener "Bodily Synesthesia" to the dancefloor-ready "Your Magic Touch." Tracks like "Last Waltz in Perugia" showcase freeform saxophone explorations, while "Gimlet" injects a playful, samba-infused energy. "Sensory Blending" is a testament to the power of spontaneous creativity, offering a captivating listen for fans of both artists and jazz-funk enthusiasts alike. Dropping tomorrow on vinyl, via Hell Yeah Recordings, this is one of the best releases of 2024.
“The studio session was 100% efficient. I showed up and we started to play. Almost all that was made was material that we could use for the album. I love to work fast. Quick brushstrokes.”