more from
577 Records
We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Griots

by Gerald Cleaver

/
  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Exclusive First Digipak CD Edition of 500

    Includes unlimited streaming of Griots via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days
    3 remaining
    Purchasable with gift card

      $16 USD or more 

     

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $10 USD  or more

     

  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    Beautifully designed vinyl LP with printed inner sleeve
    Download card included

    Includes unlimited streaming of Griots via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 15 days
    2 remaining
    Purchasable with gift card

      $20 USD or more 

     

  • Red Ltd Ed vinyl with printed inner sleeve
    Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    Exclusive limited edition of 100 red vinyl, only available directly from us or from the artists

    Beautifully designed vinyl LP with printed inner sleeve
    Download card included

    Includes unlimited streaming of Griots via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Sold Out

1.
2.
Bond 05:35
3.
4.
5.
Tribe 05:09
6.
Victor Lewis 05:00
7.
Geri Allen 05:18
8.
9.
10.
11.
Buena Vista 04:39

about

Expanding on 2020’s ‘Signs’, his electronic debut, ‘Griots’ see Cleaver diving further into the spider’s web of modular electronics, further exploring the electronic history of his Detroit roots. Combining his unique talent for composition with a curious ear for the unpredictable, Cleaver delivers another outstandingly dense and sprawling LP for a split release by Brooklyn-based Positive Elevation and Belgium’s Meakusma.
Sonically, the LP takes in a wide range of ideas and influences, blending them in a flurry of unruly synthesis, FM tones, and muted drum machines. From the growling experimentation of opening track and lead single ‘Cooper-Moore’ to the glitchy 8-bit nods of the second single ‘Galaxy Faruq’, through to closing track ‘Buena Vista’, unusual scales, modes, and meters reign supreme across ‘Griots’, making for a thrilling, engaging, and challenging listen.
Born and raised in Detroit, Gerald Cleaver is a product of the Motor City’s rich musical history. Wildly prolific, Cleaver has performed and recorded with a wide variety of artists, including Tommy Flanagan, Daniel Carter, Bill Frisell and more, chalking up a commendable discography throughout a career nearing twenty years.

“This record is shout-out to some people that had a deep impact on me. Faruq Z. Bey, out from behind the face paint, pushing his motorcycle up Cass Ave., William Parker in numerous musical poses and always with the wisdom. Geri Allen was a legend at Cass Tech. Her example to me was be great and pursue the mystery.
Everyone named on the record has something very special. It can’t be described fully. These songs are my attempt.
I want to recognize David Virelles and Ambrose Akinmusire as being very important to my developmental process for this project, and I respect them highly as musicians.
Cooper-Moore is straight fire.
Victor Lewis is my Hero. My Mentor.
This is not meant to be a tribute record, just an acknowledgment of the circular nature of inspiration.
Most of these songs were produced April-May 2020, at the height of the pandemic.
It is very important to me to stress the importance of Tribe. Community is everything.” - Gerald Cleaver

Celebrating Gerald Cleaver’s new chapter in forward-thinking experimentations, NYC based composer, producer, and performer Hprizm will release his new album ‘Signs Remixed’ on June 18th via Positive Elevation.
Celebrating Gerald Cleaver’s new chapter in forward-thinking experimentations, NYC based composer, producer, and performer Hprizm will release his new album ‘Signs Remixed’ on June 18th via Positive Elevation.

credits

released June 4, 2021

Gerald Cleaver - electronics

Recorded in 2020 in Brooklyn, New York
Mixed and mastered by Jeremy Loucas at Sear Sound, New York City
Buena Vista mixed by Chris Castagno
William Parker mixed by Curtis Macdonald

Graphic design by Philip Marshall

All music by Gerald Cleaver, Gerald Cleaver Music (SESAC)

This record has been made with the support of the Shifting Foundation 

This production is a collaboration with Meakusma, Belgium

All music ©+℗ Positive Elevation (FIVE SEVEN SEVEN RECORDS MUSIC, ASCAP)

Positive Elevation is part of 577 Records
Brooklyn, New York
www.perecs.com
©+℗ 2021

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Positive Elevation New York, New York

sub-label dedicated to electronic experimentation and avant soul

“Positive elevation always correct errors” — GZA

contact / help

Contact Positive Elevation

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Griots, you may also like: