For a good year now, people have been reminded of how important it is not to go crazy. Particularly impressively there, where individuals become whimsical under the whole load, which is to be carried at present, preferentially in their world view. The mind then seems to run hot and produce the most amazing views. Of the blessing of the care of the own spirit one knew already earlier, developed ideas in addition like the antique Stoa or, until today popular, Yoga. Perhaps there is even something to the ancient harmony theory of the Pythagoreans, according to which the soul and sounds are ordered in the same proportions. If you listen to the album by Mind Maintenance, the duo of Joshua Abrams and Chad Taylor, which has been tried and tested in various constellations over decades, you could take this as sound proof. The music of the two, Abrams on the three-stringed lute gimbri and Taylor on the mbira, or thumb piano, is tranquility. Period. Seemingly endlessly repeated small figures are the main ingredient of their exercises in mind preservation, seemingly treading water yet moving on. Never frantic, always measured. Like minimalism, yet it is perhaps the very combination of these archaic instruments, the combination of which, it is said, is not common, that ensures that together they develop a quiet power that has an immediate effect on one. Music, unlike other arts, has this direct connection to the psyche and body, and can trigger all sorts of things, desired and undesired. Mind Maintenance does the same, speaks to you without imposing itself. They simply convince through the ears.
Kamasi Washington
Fearless Movement
XL Recordings