BIGGIE TEMBO & STARTLED INSECTS - HOUSE OF STONE BIGGIE TEMBO & STARTLED INSECTS

There are some artistic collaborations that are both unexpected and the fruits of that liaison very often fail to see the light of day. This was so nearly the case when it came to the Bristol and Zimbabwe collision that would be between former Bhundu Boys frontman, Biggie Tembo, and the sonic sculptors that were Startled Insects.

The experiment that would yield the tracks that make up the "House of Stone" album came about after both Biggie and the group had left their respective band and label situations and needed a new way forward creatively. A totally inspired suggestion put the four individuals together, Biggie moved his family to Bristol from Harare to stay with one of the group, work commenced at the Insects studio and nine songs completed. After that, nothing happened.

Three decades later an opportunity was presented for the music to emerge from the vaults. Music curator Dave Massey had worked on a Startled Insects compilation album, heard the tracks and immediately contacted Bristol Archive Records owner, Mike Darby, to insist that this incredible melange of ideas to backgrounds had to be released!

Darby was moved by both the music and the back story to the making of this wonderful offering, to be released as a vinyl album and digitally. The record is both legacy for Bristol and for Zimbabwe. It would close a chapter for all concerned in its making as Biggie Tembo did not live to see his art be recognised. He died in 1995 as his own demons took him over. But nevertheless "House of Stone" is a soaring tribute to his talent. How the album got made ties in with its importance.

As the group commented in an agile aside 'Having seen them play a number of times in Bristol, we knew the Bhundu Boys and liked them. But the prospect of a fruitful collaboration between a wacky postpunk artsy-fartsy bunch and a fairly middle of the road African "Jit" musician seemed a bit crazy.'

Further memories for the three Insects come thick and fast. 'We came up with a bizarre fusion of African and Western music styles. I remember Mike Darby thinking that this would be a 'world music' album but realizing that it transcended this categorization and would like to avoid the dreaded cultural appropriation scenario. The original idea behind 'Skin' (as a working title) was the idea that the colour of skin, black and white - English and African - was irrelevant to the making of the album. We were just four guys mucking around in the studio, writing and recording music.'

The eight tracks on the vinyl release take the listener on a journey between the veldts and urban sprawl of southern Africa, crashing with the drum and bass dexterity synonymous to the west of England capital, with adroit musicality that infuses every multi-faceted song.

The recordings include contributions from some of the crème de la crème of local musicians. Will Gregory is well known for his work with Tears for Fears, and on a longer-term basis in the extraordinary phenomenon that is Goldfrapp. Rob Merrill likewise has credits with Massive Attack and Roni Size & Reprazent.

Be prepared to be both soothed and confronted. This is deeply felt music, pushed by Biggie's own personal and political experiences and beliefs merging with three Brits who were equally open to new ideas and directions. The end result is a true find, a total gem which is both unique and universal. Take this wonderful travelogue into your life and make your own destination.