The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble — Here Be Dragons

Here Be Dragons is the second full length release from the Netherlands The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble.  Comprised of varied musicians and electronic artists, the band began back in 2000, starting as an audiovisual project composing music for existing silent films.  In the years since their first compositions they have grown into a collective of various musicians intertwining different genres of music. 

To begin, The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble creates music that defies categorization.  They seemingly combine the best of jazz, electronic, ambient, industrial and even noise.  Yet it’s done in such a way that it feels and sounds, natural and easy.

On Here Be Dragons moods shift from pensive to lighthearted.  The sounds we hear at time are abstract, such as on “Caravan!” that combine a melancholic Eastern European sounding violin with rolling percussion and droning bass.  The effect is dramatic and emotional.  There’s a combination throughout of lazy bass lines and seductive beats and it makes for an enchanting production.  Add to this the hauntingly angelic vocals of Charlotte Cegarra, and you are left with a dream- like supernatural atmosphere.   While on “Seneca” an engaging setting is created with keyboards, bass and drums that bathe the piece in luscious tones to beguiling results.  Each song on Here Be Dragons is as individual and independent as the musicians creating it.

Together it all makes for an introspective and somber release.  Don’t try to figure it out, don’t give it a label.  Just enjoy the sounds formed from this talented group and bask in the happiness that music like this exists.