Balaphonic Returns With New Collaborative EP On NuNorthern Soul
- Undrtone Blog
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
Danny Ward continues to evolve his Balaphonic project with a new six-track release on NuNorthern Soul, building on the musical foundations laid by the acclaimed Resolution Revolutions album.
Rooted in live instrumentation and global influences, the latest collection sees Ward once again blur the lines between Afro-Cuban rhythms, Brazilian jazz, Balearic grooves, dub and deep house. Across six carefully crafted compositions, collaboration remains central, bringing together a diverse cast of musicians while maintaining the organic, percussion-led sound that has become synonymous with Balaphonic.
Opening track 'Dew Drops', created alongside composer and arranger Robin Dewhurst, introduces the release with uplifting samba rhythms, layered Latin percussion, balafon melodies and warm piano arrangements. From there, Ward revisits his 2005 composition 'Switch', inviting legendary Brazilian jazz vocalist Flora Purim and her daughter Diana Moreira Booker to reinterpret the piece as a flowing, 7/4 tribute to Brazil's rich musical heritage.
Elsewhere, 'Balaventurers' pairs Ward with long-time collaborator Joe Botham, better known as Baleardelica, whose flamenco-inspired guitar work adds another dimension to the release's colourful palette. 'Life of Strings', featuring Amsterdam violinist and composer Katya Gabeli, introduces sweeping string arrangements over Ward's intricate percussion before 'Boxfresh' leans into Afro-Cuban rhythms and hypnotic grooves.
The release closes with 'Home', a reflective finale built around drifting piano, understated harmonies and a sense of quiet resolution that provides a fitting conclusion to the journey.
With its emphasis on musicianship, collaboration and organic groove, the new Balaphonic release further reinforces Danny Ward's reputation for crafting music that sits comfortably between the dancefloor and deep listening, while continuing NuNorthern Soul's tradition of championing richly textured, genre-defying records. Pre-order your copy here.