The intrinsic relationship between words and music is perfectly embodied in Sara Serpa’s Intimate Strangers. Combining the musical compositions of Serpa along with excerpts from the works by Nigerian author Emmanuel Iduma, we are presented with a mesmerizing landscape that tells of the varying experiences of immigration and travels through the world. Just as the compositions each have a unique character so too are the experiences articulated by Iduma. The hypnotic “First Song” sets the stage for this spectacularly recounted journey of Iduma through his travels in Africa. Serpa’s compositions and lyrical introductions to the spoken text are nothing short of amazing. Accompanied by vocalist Sofía Rei, Aubrey Johnson, pianist Matt Mitchell, and modular synth player Qasim Naqvi – all amazing artists in their own right, are a perfect supporting cast for these meticulously constructed compositions as demonstrated in “How do you know where to go?” Throughout each selection, the rhythm with which Iduma speaks is that of a seasoned storyteller expertly wrapping his poetic wires around the audience’s ears.
The experiences that are spoken about in the haunting “Bamako” are enough to chill anyone to their core. As in “Bamako,” “Lejam” paints the picture of the trials and tribulations of the African immigration experience. Just as intense as the words that Iduma chooses to speak are the harmonies which Serpa uses, not shying away from dissonance, but rather immersing the words in it to capture the severity of these events. Moroccan-based Cameroonian poet Onesiphore Nembe recites a poem on the piece called “The Poet” and the melancholic reflections of the piece come across despite the difference in language. “God’s Time” has a melodic figure repeated in the piano that permeates the piece and undergoes a slight metamorphosis before returning to its original form.
The sounds are very Schoenberg-esque and the tune is an earworm that puts the listener in a trance. “Kidira” tells the story of a police experience that could be transplanted to America and the narrative would not need to change and it would be all too real. While I have given a prequel to almost all of the thirteen compositions that make up this suite I don’t want to give too much away… as always!
I want you to enjoy the thrill of listening to this amazing tapestry of speech and sound and feel its effects– and I have no doubt you will!! Serpa and Iduma are award-winning critically acclaimed artists in their own artistic disciplines and it is a pleasure to behold the magnificence of the work they have created. It resonates on a level that goes beyond admiration of the aesthetic of the art of itself, but rather one must marvel at how it penetrates the soul of the human being and calls upon us to reflect upon the world in which we live.
Sara Serpa photo by Da Ping Luo_© 2019
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