Following two Grammy Awards, more than twenty albums and many great performances at North Sea Jazz, it was about time: Marcus Miller is on the Blue Note label. For this long-postponed marriage of sorts between two icons of jazz, the bassist delved deep into the origins of many black genres. The result: Afrodeezia, an exploration of styles, a tribute to parts of the world that are thousands of miles apart, but above all, clearly recognizable as a Miller record. This time he combines his unique groove and his familiar bass sound with the elite of African and Caribbean musicians. Various guests add more color to the album. They include, among others, Chuck D., guitarist Keb’ Mo’ and cellist Ben Hong. The project was inspired by Miller’s role as a UNESCO Artist For Peace and spokesperson for that organization’s Slave Route Project. Afrodeezia was recorded in countries and cities all over the world, including Morocco, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans and Los Angeles.
