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Bokani Dyer Trio: Neo Native

By Dan Bilawsky
June 9, 2018
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In pianist Bokani Dyer's Neo Native we find a pact between the ideals of advancement and atavism. This rising star on the South African scene and international stage merges modernistic language with traditional streams with this malleable trio, creating a unique signature that's both indebted to his homeland's history and free of clich��s.

That conjoined sensibility manifests immediately, as the title track opens the album and shifts from mournful streams with a traditionalist bent to dicier developments. The follow-up —"Dollar Adagio," paying tribute to

Abdullah Ibrahim

piano
b.1934

" data-original-title="" title="">Abdullah Ibrahim—is moored by Romy Brauteseth's bass riff, but that doesn't stop Dyer from cutting loose and soloing with positively pliant phrasing. It's a model for how solid grounding can support substantial growth. Then drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko launches and lights up "Fezile" with Afro-Latin flair, setting a foundation for a dynamic Dyer excursion; a joyous vocal introduction gives way to some neo-soul suggestions and ruminating Rhodes work on "Kgalagadi"; and patience wins out as "Waiting" plays its titular game, revealing gifts over time and offering space to Brauteseth's bass.

The album's centerpiece—the four-movement "African Piano Suite"—follows those intriguing offerings and favors brevity. In less than eleven minutes, Dyer and company take us from a state of revelry on "Nguni" to trance-meets-dance vibes on "Xikwembu," and from the slinky ostinato of "Chikapa" to the reserved yet joyful environs of "Mutapa." Rather than dissect such a massive topic as African piano with lengthy discourse, Dyer's miniatures delve into the idea through direct engagement.

The final stretch sets off with some

Tony Allen

drums
1938 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Tony Allen-worthy grooves on "Gono Afrobeat," shifts toward a reflective mood with "Light" and "Fola," and comes to a conclusion with "Oumou," a bonus track featuring guest Asmaa Hamzaoui's passionate vocals. Taken in total, all of this music makes the case that Bokani Dyer is well-versed in the piano traditions that surround him. But more importantly, Neo Native makes clear that he's not fenced in by any of them.

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Track Listing

Neo Native; Dollar Adagio; Fezile; Kgalagadi Intro; Kgalagadi; Waiting; Nguni; Xikwembu; Chikapa; Mutapa; Gono Afrobeat; Light; Fola; Oumou.

Personnel

Bokani Dyer

piano

Bokani Dyer: piano, Rhodes piano, vocals; Romy Brauteseth: double bass, vocals; Sphelelo Mazibuko: drums, vocals; Asmaa Hamzaoui: vocals (14).

Album information

Title: Neo Native | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Self Produced

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