Following their critically acclaimed debut Hidden Melodies Revealed, the Sway Machinery accepted a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to travel to Timbuktu and perform in Mali's world-renowned Festival of the Desert. In Mali they found inspiration in the form of Khaira Arby, a legendary Malian singer, and out of their epic journey the tracks on this record were born. Colin Stetson (Tom Waits, Arcade Fire, TV on the Radio, Feist, Bon Iver) brings the baritone sax to this big mix making the perfect counterpoint to Khaira's impassioned wailing. You've never heard anything like this and we consider one of the freshest releases of 2011. Too often the pairings of musicians from two distinctly different regions on the globe come off as goofy "world music" exploitive efforts but this collaboration simply exudes heartfelt musical joy. We are honored to carry this across the river into your hands. Comes in full-color jacket with picture of Sway Machinery and Khaira in Timbuktu.
