"We will need to accelerate efforts to pivot to new global realities." - Hillary Clinton, October 11, 2011With each passing day, the world becomes smaller. Thomas Friedman might prefer the term "flat," but a certain 48 year old Disney song begs to differ. A New York Times columnist has clout. An Amusement park ride, however, claims deep roots in our shrinking planet. And this is, after all, the 21st century; timeliness is an art, and being topical is key. Globalization calls for new strategies and catchy slogans. Remember that the present hundred year period did begin with a grand declaration for a "Century of the Americas." And not to be outdone, the following decade brought an even fresher foreign policy pitch: Asian Pivot, or the Pacific Century (quoted above).
Politics, though, are nothing more than a matter of opinion. Success is relative, too. So grandiose judgements of international affairs aside, it stands to be mentioned that the world is not all cynicism. At least one group is contributing to the cause. Of course, Txiga Produções is neither a non-governmental organization nor world renown, but their efforts should not go unheeded. Txiga Pro lead by example. Lat week the crew exhibited the value of personal relations and compromise with a individual collaboration between EDyFoOx and Puto Nuno. But coalitions are of the utmost necessity too. For an example, look no further than the Black$ea Não Maya Vs Txiga Produções summit. So naturally, perhaps, the goals have become even loftier this week. Txiga Pro looks to pick up where the Century of the Americas and the Pacific Century have fallen short.
First up is Puto Anderson. With a release titled "Asian Party" the leader of Txiga Pro opts to work with Brazilian batucada rhythm. One single drum, sounding not unlike a djembe, is used for the two-minute duration of the song; using slap and bass possibilities at will. Even with four to the floor bass, the track's integrity is not compromised. A second and third piece of percussion appear during the first section; each of which is marked by effects. But more surprising than the total of three syncopated vocal samples ultimately used is the stringed Asian instrument appearing alongside drum fills near the end. "Asian Party" sports an imaginative, albeit sparse appearance, bolstered by a dynamic organization.
A few days later, Txiga associate K30 shares a batucada of his own. As with "Asian Party," only West African drums (save for a lone cymbal) are heard. "Panca de Joe Pt. 2 (Estilo Chines)" has a long introductory segment - a meager twenty-two seconds on paper, but ultimately a quarter of the song's length. The time, however, is used purposefully. Listeners are introduced to the foundational rhythm; provided bya shekere and what sounds like the rich texture of a bougarabou. Rhythm does carries the song. Percussion, though, not the only sounds heard. This song, too, is desolate but it only adds weight to an indistinguishable melodic element. Far from mundane, the varying length of phrases from the melody adds intrigue to the already danceable track. A quality release overall.
- John Noggle
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