Tea - Dreams

FREE DOWNLOAD - Tea - 'Ibiza' from the album Dreams

A few months ago I received through the magic of E mail, the latest album from a duo who call themselves Tea. Mixing soul, house and jazz with African flavors, Tea is the brainchild of guitarist Franck Balloffet, from Lyon, France, and Southern California drummer/keyboardist Phil Bunch. Franck & Phil first met as members of Los Angeles’ premier African band, Bateke Beat, which featured multi-instrumentalist Fidel Bateke, formerly of Fela Kuti’s ensemble from Nigeria. The group's second record, Dreams, rises to the challenge of fusing lots of different influences while maintaining a distinct personality all its own. The entire record is so lovely and soulful that it is almost balearic at times, (Legendary keyboardist Brian Auger even guests on the album!). I must say that I find the project's overt melodicism quite refreshing in these days of distorted drums, acid synths and massive, squelchy bass (not that there's anything wrong with that- but sometimes a guy needs a little melody in his global fusions) The duo have generously allowed us to share a track with you today, so if you like what you hear, be sure to explore further