The Death Of Dissent: Richard H Kirk's Baker's Dozen | Page 12 of 14 | The Quietus

Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

11. Joe ZawinulDi•a•lects

If I’m honest I don’t know all his work that well – I have some other CDs in a similar vein – but what I loved about this was that it was world music taken to another level. It’s blended with voice synthesis and electronics, and again, really nice grooves. Some of it pre-dates house music in many ways, when he’s got four-on-the-floor grooves. A lovely album to listen to, and Bobby McFerrin doing a lot of the vocals. I don’t know how good a musician Joe is technically because I’m not a very good musician myself, but I do know I saw a documentary about him a few years ago and he seemed like a lovely guy. I’ve always been wary of people who are too good, in terms of that John McLaughlin thing and too many notes. I think it was Herbie Hancock who said to Miles Davis, "I don’t know what to play on this track." And Miles said, "Well, if you don’t feel anything, don’t play." I look for stuff that’s interesting, that’s rebellious, that’s different from something that you’ve heard. 


PreviousNext Record

Don’t Miss The Quietus Digest

Start each weekend with our free email newsletter.

Help Support The Quietus in 2025

If you’ve read something you love on our site today, please consider becoming a tQ subscriber – our journalism is mostly funded this way. We’ve got some bonus perks waiting for you too.

Subscribe Now