This self-titled debut introduces the world to the new fusion group Saha Gnawa. Across 8 spectacular tracks they fuse Moroccan Gnawa music with modern jazz fusion and more than a dash of psychedelic rock influence. Gnawa is a rhythmic, string based music that’s one of many North African traditions that a westerner might describe as “blues-like.” Like the blues it’s also very spiritual, repetitive and easily turns into psychedelic improvisational jazz fusion. Though there have been and continue to be several groups doing this sort of thing with wonderful results, Saha Gnawa brings the most Gnawa and Jazz chops to the table. Co led by Maalem (meaning “master”) Hassan Benjaafar (of Innov Gnawa, etc) and Daniel Freedman (of David Byrne, Angelique Kidjeo, etc) are joined by an impressive cast of learned NYC improvisers. The resulting self-titled record is an impressive dual testament to the contemporary jazz fusion world and Moroccan music tradition.