Description
NuNorthern Soul, the British label that has released excellent retrospectives of Ryo Kawasaki and Joan Bibiloni, now turns its attention to the history of Pili Pili, the pioneering Afro-fusion collective led by Dutch pianist Jasper Van’t Hof.
Formed in 1984, the project was an extremely experimental undertaking for its time, blending Van’t Hof’s long-cultivated sensibilities in jazz fusion with the music of Northwest Africa. It featured musicians such as Angelique Kidjo, who would later become a global star, as well as percussionists and vocalists from Benin and Mali. The result was a unique groove where the dynamism of live performance intersected with meticulously programmed electronic sounds.
This release carefully selects six tracks that embody the group’s identity from an extensive catalogue spanning approximately 20 years, from 1984 to 2002. Van’t Hof’s fluid keyboard work blends with the primitive energy of the African continent, seamlessly connecting the dance floor and the listening room. The contrast between the raw vibration of percussion and electronic textures, brought to life by the spinning vinyl, creates a three-dimensional immersive experience that cannot be matched by digital audio.
It also includes detailed liner notes written by music historian Matt Anniss based on an interview with Van’t Hof. These offer a deep look behind the scenes of this rare collaboration, which effortlessly transcended cultural boundaries.
Artist Profile
Jasper Van’t Hof A Dutch-born pianist who has been active at the forefront of the European jazz scene since the late 1960s. He boasts a diverse career, including performances with Jean-Luc Ponty, the jazz-rock band Porkpie, and legendary live recordings with Archie Shepp. Not content with traditional jazz, he also became drawn to electronic music in the 1980s. With Pili Pili, he elevated his experimental spirit into a fusion with African music.
A1. Ilé
A2. Jakko Jakko
A3. Life Size
B1. Hippo Hips
B2. My Gongoma
B3. Soubacha
DJ Support: Idjut Boys, Felix Dickinson, Harri Harrigan, Sean Johnston, Lex (Athens), A Man Called Adam, Leo Mas, Phil Mison, Steve Cobby, Zeynep Erbay, Max Essa and many more.
Having previously released selected retrospectives focused on the musical output of Ryo Kawasaki and Joan Bibiloni, NuNorthern Soul has now turned its attention to the vast back catalogue of Jasper Van’t Hof’s pioneering electro-acoustic, Afro-fusion collective, Pili Pili.
The band was established in 1984 by Van’t Hof, a Dutch pianist who began his career in Europe’s jazz scene of the late 1960s, as a way of combining his love of jazz-fusion and the music of North-West Africa. Van’t Hof already had a reputation for combining roles in traditional jazz combos with more experimental and abstract projects. These included a spell in violinist Jean-Luc Ponty’s first band, years spent masterminding jazz-rock outfit Jasper Van’t Hof’s Porkpie, the recording of an all- electronic album (1982’s Visitors), and a celebrated collaborative live album with the great Archie Shepp, Mama Rose.
Pili Pili, though, was another step forward for Van’t Hof. Working with percussionists and vocalists from Benin and Mali (including the now legendary Angelique Kidou) and a string of adventurous jazz soloists (saxophonist Tony Lakoto and trumpeter Annie Whitehead included), Van’t Hof’s collective frequently combined live and programmed percussion, electronic and acoustic instrumentation, and the talented improvisor’s own memorable melodies and impactful solos.
NuNorthern Soul’s retrospective focuses on the most productive and celebrated period of Pili Pili’s near three-decade history, showcasing tracks originally recorded and released on studio albums released between 1984 and 2002. The six tracks on show offer an essential glimpse into the musical gold to be found across the Pili Pili catalogue.
In keeping with NuNorthern Soul’s previous retrospectives, the vinyl version of Selected Works 1984-95 comes with extended liner notes telling the remarkable story of this most unusual of cross-cultural collaborations. These feature extensive quotes, reflections and memories from Jasper Van’t Hof and were written by music historian Matt Anniss.
