Well, he's back at last, and once again he's moved the goalposts: if you thought Nomad Soul was a step too far then Television surely represents one giant leap (ahem!). Recorded in collaboration with New York based Brazilian Girls, who are a major presence vocally as well as instrumentally, it is a very modern "western" sounding album, with solid beats, a lively organic production and catchy songs. Maal's trademark voice doesn't cut loose very often, but the African connection is ever present adding instrumental colour to the mix.
Early impressions suggest the standout songs to be the hypnotic grooves of A Song For Women and the opening title track Television, and the mainly acoustic, almost desert blues feel, of closer Tindo Quando featuring some fine vocals from both Maal and Sabina Sciubba. It's early days, but I love this kind of "crossover" music and find myself going back to it again and again. Definitely thumbs up from me for one of my favourite musicians, but I suspect most diehard traditionalists aren't going to like it!