In its purest form, music is a fusion of euphonious sounds that anybody from anywhere can understand, feel, and relate to. This is what makes classical music extraordinary. Its composers majestically evoke different emotions within us without the use of spoken words. Capetonian guitarist Derek Gripper is one such composer.
Over the years, Derek Gripper’s natural artistry has led to him collaborating with various musicians, including world-renowned classical guitarist John Williams. In 2010, he founded New Cape Records, a music label dedicated to releasing the best of his hometown’s music. Notable releases include those from Madosini, Alex van Heerden, Gramadoelas, and Gripper’s catalogue of compositions – One Night on Earth being yet another feather to his cap.
Derek Gripper’s latest offering, One Night On Earth,is nothing short of a masterpiece. The eleven-track live guitar instrumental comprises soothing, nostalgic, and soulful sounds rooted in African traditional instruments. The classically trained musician known for transcribing traditional West African music to guitar demonstrates his natural artistry throughout the album by gracing us with distinctive symphonies.
The dulcet sounds of chirping birds usher us into the album at the beginning of “Kaounding Cissoko”, followed by a harmonious guitar. The mellow guitar riff continues throughout the song, immersing the listener. “Boyoke” – the second song – introduces a new instrumental rhythm through a fast-paced guitar, demonstrating Derek Gripper’s modifiable musicality.
To conserve traditional African instruments, the album’s lead single, “Toumani’s Jarabi 1987”, blends classical guitar with kora and umrhubhe. Inspired by the West African sounds from the 80s, the song conjures up a nostalgic ambience, taking the listener down memory lane. The same is true for the album’s outro, “Konkoba”, which emphasizes balanced melodies derived from African sounds.
Gripper’s ability to change tempos and knit together distinct elements to create different sounds, such as the kora, all the while using a single musical instrument, is a testament to his remarkable virtuosity. One Night On Earth is an illustration of African heritage with modest universal influences.
