Mundi
My House is the Sky (International Rain, 2014)
My House is the Sky is the fourth album by Austin-based ensemble Mundi. The instrumental group normally bridges the worlds of classical and world music. This time, Mundi also adds a drum set, creating a vibrant mix that the ensemble’s leader and composer Darrel Mayers calls chamber rock.
The material on My House is the Sky includes original pieces by Mayers as well as a traditional Bulgarian horo, a composition by Galician group Berroguetto, a traditional Sephardic piece and a great version of Dead Can Dance’s ‘Fortune Presents Gifts Not According to the Book.’
Mundi has strong connections with Spain. They’ve toured the Iberian nation several times, two of Mayers’ compositions are dedicated to the famed ancient pilgrimage route El Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) and then there is the Berroguetto piece, ‘Samesugas,’ mentioned earlier. Berroguetto was a leading contemporary folk band from Galicia in northwestern Spain.
Highlights include the delightful ‘The Bespectacled Bears Waltz,’ the cinematic ‘El Camino (A Finisterre),’ ‘Fortune Presents Gifts Not According to the Book,’ ‘A Cup of Tea with Santiago’ and ‘Samesugas.’
The lineup on My House is the Sky includes Darrel Mayers on guitar, oud and typewriter; Bruce Colson on violin; Margaret Ayer on French horn and harmonium; Tony Rogers on cello and accordion; Mario González on upright bass, hajhooj (also known as sentir and guimbri) and percussion; and Ric Furley on drums and percussion.
Mundi’s earlier recordings include As Barley Falls (2002), Apple Howling (2004) and The Book & the Flower (2005).
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
