NuNorthern strike gold again with breathtaking Joan Biblioni collection

The Ibiza-based label present the maestro’s ‘Selected Works 1982 to 1989’ in time for rescheduled RSD

Words by Rocco Universal

Since launching over a decade ago, NuNorthern Soul has offered a home to shining lights of the blissed-out world of contemporary Balearic music and is a trusted seal when it comes to high-grade of horizontal. The likes of Ron Basejam, Ilija Rudman, BJ Smith, Private Agenda, and Blair French have all offered up wonderful new music under their banner, but for the latest release, NuNorthern once again take the opportunity to shine a light on some hard to obtain pearls from the wants-list of many a seasoned digger. Following on from two sensational compilations of works from Ryo Kawasaki, the team present a selection of the finest music created by Spanish guitar maestro, Joan Biblioni.

Hand-picked from four of Joan's albums dated between 1982 to 1989, the compilation showcases work from the virtuoso in confident mood and at his most musically adventurous. Originally planned for a Record Store Day release back in April, the due date was pushed back for painfully obvious reasons, but happy we are that it's seeing the light of day now. It's due to land in time for the re-arranged Record Store Day 1 on August 29.

Balearic music isn't always easy to define, and, depending on who you talk to, the parameters can vary wildly. In fact, that's a very real part of its charm. There can be no doubt, though, that the music contained within these grooves is just about as authentic as it gets. Recorded in Biblioni's native island of Mallorca, the collection offers a mesmerising snapshot into the atmosphere and flavour of the beautiful Mediterranean island at an exciting moment in its history.

While most people would consider Ibiza to be the rightful Mediterranean home of expansive sundown sounds and bohemian culture, its larger cousin Mallorca has an illustrious counter-cultural pedigree of its own. Post world war II, both islands proved to be magnets for free-thinkers, hippies, and beatniks alike, and while Ibiza gradually morphed into the party hub that it is today, Mallorca was to some extent overwhelmed by a more mainstream brand of package tourism. In its halcyon days, though, it was home to an eclectic blend of writers, musicians and artisans, a handful of whom would inspire and inform Joan's work. Soft Machine's Robert Wyatt, Australian singer and poet Daevid Allen, Andy Summers of The Police were all residents or regular visitors who populated the creative community in which Biblioni flourished.

The compilation begins with 1982 release, Ulls Verds 'Joana Lluna'. The Latin jazz-fusion piece dances over eight-plus minutes of intricate guitar plucking, walking bass and energetic lead flute. Next comes 1984's almost indefinable 'El Cumplaños de Jaimito', where space-age jazz boogie flavours take the fore. Squelch bass, picked guitar and freakish synths give this track a distinct disco-funk feel, and it's perhaps the most club-ready track on the album. 1984's 'Laiala Laiala' begins in unassuming fashion, lazily opening up as a laid back bossa nova jam before exploding into intoxicating, percussion-heavy dance-floor madness, and it's our pick to pay you a snippet of here.

We are then treated to the stripped-back atmospherics of 1988 production 'Alfonsina Y El Mar', where the reverb-heavy guitar takes centre stage to weave a deeply melancholic yarn. Closing things off we have the experimental journey of 1989 Una Vida Larga 'Tranquila', whose captivating arrangement, as the name suggests, is a meditative exploration into transcendent instrumentation.

All of the music contained here is genuinely stunning. Varied, experimental fusion which is as accessible as it is refined. An excellent piece of work from NuNorthern Soul introducing this music to new audiences and collectors alike.

Joan Biblioni 'Selected Works 1982-1989' is out August 29 on NuNorthern Soul. You can listen and buy it here