African Lightness by Nick Straybizer Serena is a captivating album that takes listeners on a musical journey through the rhythms and melodies of African music. From the opening track, the listener is transported to the heart of the African continent, with the traditional sounds of the kora, balafon, and djembe creating a rich and vibrant musical landscape.
Throughout the album, Straybizer Serena showcases his impressive musicianship, blending traditional African instruments with contemporary production techniques to create a sound that is both authentic and modern. The result is a collection of tracks that are both danceable and introspective, with moments of high energy and moments of quiet reflection.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Mali Blues," a hauntingly beautiful piece that showcases Straybizer Serena's skill on the kora. The track builds slowly, with layers of percussion and strings adding depth and complexity to the melody, before culminating in a soaring, emotional climax.