Dap-Kings’ Gastelum Gets 'Electric'

Global-hopping collection of instrumentals was initially inspired by a dream the NYC musician had.

By Blurt Staff

Cochemea Gastelum is one of New York City's most in-demand horn players, a touring member of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and a recurring saxophonist in the original band for the Broadway musical, Fela! The Brooklyn-based multi-reedist has performed and/or recorded with a diverse group of artists, including Paul Simon, The Budos Band, The Roots, Public Enemy and Amy Winehouse. Now this key figure of New York City's underground Afro-beat and new soul community will release his solo debut album, The Electric Sound Of Johnny Arrow, on July 20 via MOWO! Inc. The ten-track effort, co-produced by Adam Dorn (aka Mocean Worker), is a collection of instrumentals that span the global rhythmic horizon from afro-centric jazz to keyed down low rider jams over which Gastelum peels back the layers of his story through his horn.

Gastelum calls upon a myriad of influences, ranging from the effects laden excursions of Eddie Harris' electric saxophone to the percussion-driven orchestrations of War to the winding horn dimensions of Mulatu Astatke. The idea for Johnny Arrow first came to Gastelum in a dream he had that related back to his Native American roots. It was upon this vision that the complete concept for the album was formed. With that as a guide, Gastelum not only paid tribute to his elders, but also embraced the very pioneering spirit with which they fearlessly forged new trails.

"The Electric Sound of Johnny Arrow is about the end of one journey and the beginning of another," Gastelum said, in a statement. "It's about staying true to the inner voice, respecting the ancestors and those who pioneered before us."