Welcome to Episode #119 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which this week sees me connect with members of the Milan-based collective Karu, Alberto Brutti and Andrea Di Nicolantonio.

With their second full-length project now available through Italy’s diverse Beat Machine Records, ‘An Imaginary Journey’ continues where its predecessor (‘Kuru’, 2020) left off, boasting a phenomenal and bold interpretation of contemporary jazz that draws from a wide array of influences from its tribal aesthetic mixed with electronica, spiritual jazz and hip-hop production.

Comprised of band leader and double bassist Alberto Brutti, guitarist Andrea Di Nicolantonio, saxophonist Mario D’Alfonso and Cristiano Amici on drums, Karu create intricate soundscapes which relies heavily on improvisation and music created within that specific time and space.  A live album released early in 2022, ‘Live at Commerce’, provides a thrilling insight into Karu’s infectious live performances and spontaneous interplay between its closely-knit band members, and a cover of MF DOOM’s ‘One Beer’ kicks the project off in spectacular fashion.

It’s a tremendous pleasure to introduce Alberto and Andreas to our podcast to discuss the new album, how Covid and quarantine impacted the release of the project and our shared affections for the music of MF DOOM and Madlib.