Phil Dawson ٤-tet – Shifting Sands (Mainline)
Phil Dawson‘s latest single, “Shifting Sands (Mainline),” is the second release from his forthcoming album Don’t Waste Your Ancestors’ Time, set to drop on 25th October 2024. The track finds its core in the poetic musings of spoken word artist Khadijatou, who philosophizes through her observations of the world, creating a contemplative space. This lyrical depth is perfectly complemented by a soundscape influenced by the warped, highlife guitar rhythms of Ghana and the rich harmonic textures of Filles de Kilimanjaro-inspired Fender Rhodes. Adding another layer to the composition is the masterful flute work of Rowland Sutherland, weaving through the track like a thread of melodic commentary.
Dawson, a renowned UK guitarist, composer, and bandleader, has honed his craft through collaborations with a host of musical legends. From the late South African jazz icon Hugh Masekela to the pioneering Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen and Ethio-jazz legend Mulatu Astatke, Dawson’s influences are wide-ranging and deeply rooted in African and diasporic musical traditions. He has also worked with Afro-rock pioneers Osibisa and London’s cultural fusion acts such as Lokkhi Terra, Soothsayers, and Dele Sosimi, solidifying his position as a key figure in blending jazz, Afrobeat, and highlife sounds.
Ahead of the album’s full release on 29th November, Dawson and his band are set to perform live at Pizza Express Dean Street, London, on 22nd October. With a rich legacy of collaborations and a sound that fuses tradition with modern sensibilities, Don’t Waste Your Ancestors’ Time promises to be a reflection of Dawson’s journey through the sonic landscapes of Africa and beyond.
