RBGxDD (UL01) by Abderraouf B Grissa & Dan Drohan

The inaugural release from Uno Loop, “RBGxDD,” via producers Abderraouf B Grissa & Dan Drohan, provides the perfect sonic vitamins for your ears. Out June 9th.

Some albums act as tickets to travel through time and space, ones where you hear history and venture to worlds familiar, yet undeniably foreign and exciting. RBGxDD, the inaugural release for indie-label Uno Loop Records, is one of these albums. The LP is the beginning of a collaboration between two virtuosos you’ll want to keep an eye (and ear) on: producer Abderraouf B Grissa (Pink Siifu, Abstract Abder on Radio alHara) and drummer/producer Dan Drohan (Nick Hakim, Olden Yolk, CARRTOONS, Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT).

Think CAN, Makaya McCraven, Sun Ra, or Madlib, and you’ll scratch the surface of what this LP has to offer, what it reminds you of, what it's inspired by. Grissa says of its creation, "what began as a clear cut, beat-album featuring blistering acoustic drums evolved into a fluid, sonic journey that throws time- signature and structure to the wind." RBGxDD is an album that expands the notion of how live instrumentation and sampling can continually innovate in unexpectedly catchy ways. The arrangements give space for both dancing and relaxing, with no shortage of finding the groove.

Joining them are artists who have perfected their craft upon arrival. Bobbie Johnston(Ear Yoga Ensemble,élan)delivers guitar riffs so smooth that they somehow blend into the music yet stand out in crispness and quality. Jarrett Gilgore (Heart of the Ghost; Jaimie Branch) takes a scorching approach to the saxophone that rejuvenates us, feeling as if we've been hit with a splash of cold water. Ahmad Kafari's (Sudan Archives, Pink Siifu, Jaw Gems, Chakram) piano playing is a gift, you hear expertise - years of influence by spiritual jazz and classical piano music emerge in a language first developed by Dorothy Ashby and honed by Dilla. Mastering was done by Kelly Hibbert (The Heliocentrics, Knxwledge, Flying Lotus, Karriem Riggins) who sends your ears to another sonic planet.

The LP is physically surrounded by something just as beautiful as the music it houses. We have artist Carol Summers and designer Daniel Rocha to thank for that. LP and artwork was licensed directly from Summers’ family. One of America's foremost printmakers with a career spanning over half a century, Summers has his works found in the MOMA LACMA, NGA, and more. Rocha's LP designs are impeccably on cue with the music contained within, making the release look like it could’ve been released in 1973 or 2023.

Tracklist

1.	Any Time, Man	1:26

2.	Theme	3:17

3.	Lake Poe	3:56

4.	Yacin	3:52

5.	Kalimbient	9:21

6.	Tongs	4:24

7.	MRB 3000	2:10

8.	Visco City	3:28

9.	Paris 1958	3:58

10.	Indihim	1:57

11.	Cup of Change	3:50

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Credits

released June 9, 2023

Arrangements: Abderraouf B Grissa & Dan Drohan
Executive producers: Abderraouf Bennett Grissa & Dan Drohan
Co-producer: Bobbie Johnston
Mixing: Abderraouf B Grissa, Jacob Henbest, Viraj Ghandi (Track B4)
Mastering: Kelly Hibbert
Artwork: Incredible String Band (1972) by Carol Summers, licensed from the Summers estate, provided by the David Barnett Gallery

Abderraouf B Grissa - rhodes 88, rhodes 73, kalimba, percussion, moog sub 37, moog grandmother, sp-404, vocals, roland rhythm 330, moog mf-104m
Dan Drohan - drums, percussion, vocals, recorder, turntable, tascam portastudio 424, glockenspiel, monotribe, whistle
Jarrett Gilgore - alto saxophone
Ahmad Kafari - rhodes 73
Bobbie Johnston - electric and acoustic guitars, percussion, bamboo recorder, vocals
Derick Smith - electric bass (tracks A1, A2, A3, B4)
Carlos Sierra - electric bass (tracks A4, B5)

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