Imaginary Africa Studios Vol. 1 by Mauro Basilio: A Jazz Journey That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. If you’re someone who digs jazz but doesn’t want to feel like they’re stuck in a smoky Parisian basement circa 1952, Imaginary Africa Studios Vol. 1 might just be your jam. Released in 2014 by French multi-hyphenate Mauro Basilio (composer, recording engineer, mixer, illustrator—seriously, does this guy ever sleep?), this self-released gem is equal parts quirky and soulful. And no, it’s not actually about Africa—it’s more of an imaginary detour through Basilio’s brain, with some killer instrumentation thrown in for good measure.
First off, props to him for keeping things interesting. Tracks like “Infini” and “Toubab” are standouts that make you go, “Wait, what year is it again?” In “Infini,” Basilio crafts this moody yet playful vibe that feels like walking into a room where everyone’s wearing sunglasses indoors. The rhythm has this hypnotic pull—it’s like trying to resist staring at a lava lamp; you just can’t. Meanwhile, “Toubab” kicks things up a notch with its punchy energy and unexpected twists. There’s something delightfully chaotic about how the double bass (courtesy of Fabrizio Cerutti) and violins weave together—it’s like watching cats play jazz on a tightrope. You think it shouldn’t work, but holy cow, it absolutely does.
Now, I gotta shout out Laura Manchinu for the photography because whoever said album art doesn’t matter clearly hasn’t seen hers—it’s got this dreamy, almost surreal quality that perfectly matches the music. Oh, and those string players? Elisa Bosio, Elisa Fighera, and Manuel Ballatore bring their A-game on tracks 3 and 4, adding layers of texture that elevate the whole experience. Honestly, if these folks were a band, I’d follow them anywhere—even if it meant sitting through another one of Mauro’s DIY projects.
But here’s the kicker: while the rest of the album—tracks like “Maures,” “Jansa,” and “Africa Twin”—is solid, nothing quite hits the same way as “Infini” or “Toubab.” Maybe it’s the production quirks, maybe it’s the sheer audacity of throwing everything but the kitchen sink into the mix, but those two tracks stick with you long after the record stops spinning.
So yeah, Imaginary Africa Studios Vol. 1 isn’t perfect, but who cares? It’s raw, unpolished, and kinda brilliant in its own weird way. Listening to it feels less like consuming art and more like eavesdropping on someone having the time of their life. And honestly? That’s worth a lot more than perfection.
Final thought: If Mauro Basilio ever decides to open a jazz-themed amusement park based on this album, sign me up immediately. Just promise there’ll be funnel cakes shaped like violins.
Rating: 8/10 – Because sometimes, imperfection is exactly what makes something unforgettable.
