A global aesthetic is at the heart of Austin-based band Nori. Collectively, they have roots in folk, world music and jazz. Each element provides a generous amount of freedom for explorative and improvisational creativity, and each has a presence on Nori’s forthcoming album Bruise Blood, a poetic and powerful reflection on division and long-neglected suffering in the U.S.
The album title itself is in reference to a sound collage by composer Steve Reich, Come Out (1966), based on the words of Daniel Hamm, a young man from Harlem falsely accused, and convicted, of murder. Hamm had been beaten and forced to make a confession. Hamm was explaining how he was requesting medical assistance: “I had to…open the bruise up/and let some of the bruise blood come out to show them.” Through their music, Nori sheds more light upon what has historically been a long-festering wound, what it will take to finally open it and drain it out.
The album’s official release date is November 30th, but Nori has their album release show tonight at Radio Coffee and Beer, 4204 Manchaca Rd., with The Azmaris starting out the evening. The music starts at 9 p.m. Recommended.
-Photo courtesy of the artist.
