ABOUT THE ALBUM

The world is more elusive than simple cause and effect imply, more typically, life circumvents causation in favor of an unknowable correlation; however, we often turn to where we come from to try to understand where we are. On this first volume from Zoh Amba and Francisco Mela, the duo brings their regional traditions, from Tennessee and Cuba respectively, and musical inclinations to the cause and effect behind their own life stories. Causa y Efecto, Vol. 1 is an ode to the two musicians’ roots, transporting audiences between the New York studio where it was recorded and the mist-shrouded mountains where they each grew up. On these tracks, Mela builds a textured, percussive foundation that Amba interrupts with breathy tenor saxophone and her distinctive flute. On “Maria,” dedicated to Mela’s mother, simple hand drumming provides a gentle rhythm, overlaid by Amba’s delicate flute and Mela’s full baritone voice, delivered in the unassuming style of the campesino. Causa y Efecto, Vol. 1 is an ode to the countrysides that both musicians came from, decades apart, and the experimental, improvisational pursuit for which they've joined in New York.

Francisco Mela and Zoh Amba
Causa y Efecto Vol. 1

Zoh Amba: Tenor saxophone, flute
Francisco Mela: Drums, voice

Recorded in New York City
Release September 2022
Total time: 38 mins
Catalog number 5878-1

Cover photo by Sergio Vezzali
Graphic design by Sergio Vezzali

Black Vinyl 180 grams - First pressing of 200
CD: Exclusive Digipak - First pressing of 500

TRACKS:

SIDE ONE

1 - Maria 8:04
2 - Dos Vidas 4:03
3 - ZOME 8:35

SIDE TWO

1 - Serenata 14:41
2 - Desafíos 4:17

100% of profit from the sale of most of these albums
goes to the musicians