TRANSPLANTATION

Although known the last few years Japanese Jazz/RIO progsters Djamra have been around since mid-90's,when bassist Masaharu Nakakita formed the band in Osaka.The band actually performed as a quintet and released an eponymous demo in 1999.The new decade found the band as a quartet of bass/drums/trumpet/sax.In 2003 they release both a live and a studio album.''14 Faces Vol 1'' was a short document of the band's live energy,released on the Poseidon-related Vital Records and ''Transplantation'' was Djamra's official debut,released on Poseidon and distributed by Musea.

The general style of the band incorporates elements from Jazz,Horn Rock and RIO.There are also elements from Balkan and Eastern Music to be found.This daring mix offers some good moments at a few times,but the album suffers from the lack of even a trace of melody,harmony or atmosphere,who will set the listener into its mood.The technique of the band is undoubtful,but actually this is the main problem as well.Too much soloing leads into an explosion of freaky,noisy musicianship,which becomes unbearable with every listening.The meaning of composition is totally sacrificed in the name of endless improvisation.Trumpet and sax dominate the album and are too high in the mix,buring any interesting ideas by the bass player,who is actually quite good.The final result is an abstract summary of sounds trying to be correctly set in my head,but the only thing I got is a light headache...

The musicians of this act are really skilled,no doubt about it.But I wonder where this album heads to.An aggresive,frightening and cloudy soundscape,which is more of a punch in the stomach than a musical experience.Not recommended at all.