Carlos Niño’s latest creation, Placenta, is a testament to his boundless ingenuity and collaborative spirit. Released under the visionary Chicago-based International Anthem label, Niño distinguishes himself even among his experimental peers. While many of his contemporaries dive into free jazz, funk, and ambient experimentation, Niño carves out a niche that is distinctly his own, melding these genres into something profoundly transcendent. Placenta transcends the traditional album format; it’s a conceptual project deeply embedded in the themes of birth and parenthood, inspired by the arrival of Niño’s second child, Moss. This personal endeavor sees Niño not as a lone artist but as a symbiotic force, orchestrating a diverse ensemble of talents to weave a sonic tapestry that is as intricate as it is inviting.
The album opens with “Love To All Doulas!,” setting the tone with its delicate bells and chimes, crafting an ethereal ambiance that is both welcoming and enigmatic. Nate Mercereau’s French horn infuses the piece with warmth, making it glow with life. This track, like many others on the album, highlights Niño’s knack for making free improvisation approachable and captivating, drawing listeners into a visceral, human experience. The tribute to jazz legend Chico Hamilton in “In Appreciation Of Chico Hamilton’s Vast Influence On The West Coast Sound” is a standout moment. The intricate rhythms and atmospheric synth touches are a heartfelt homage to Hamilton’s influence, seamlessly blending with the album’s Californian spiritual themes. Similarly, “This ‘I’ Was Not,” featuring Ariel Kalma’s spoken poetry and Surya Botofasina’s organ, delves into spiritual exploration with a profound sense of depth. One of the album’s highlights is “Birthworkers Magic, And How We Get Hear…,” featuring André 3000’s serene flute-scape. This track, with its bubbling flutes and pastoral vibe, stands out for its tranquil beauty. The title track, “Placenta, Nourishment, New Home, The Galaxy,” is an epic free-jazz journey that includes the voices of Niño’s family and an accordion performance by Michael Bolger, adding to the album’s rich, varied texture.
Despite the multitude of contributors, Placenta maintains a natural, cohesive flow. Niño’s role as a facilitator and catalyst is evident throughout, as he channels the creative energy of his collaborators into a unified, organic whole. His percussion – bells, chimes, gongs, and shakers – provides a consistent backdrop, grounding the album’s more abstract elements in a tangible reality. As a fixture in the Los Angeles music scene for nearly 30 years, Niño continues to push the boundaries of musical expression, and Placenta is a shining example of his visionary artistry.