La Classe b​/​w Ice Age by Don Karate

Don Karate is the project of Italian multi-instrumentalist Stefano Tamborrino, a detour from the world of jazz he normally inhabits towards its equally fruitful descendants. Don Karate’s music is a complex and fascinating sonic universe, with grooves orbiting around hip-hop traditions and melodies reflecting electronic and cinematographic nebulae. Rest assured that Don Karate is more than capable to guide you through this universe, with Tamborrino (drums, vocals) deftly assisted by Pasquale Mirra (vibes) and Francesco Ponticelli (bass). Independently each member of the group is accomplished and acclaimed within the Italian jazz scene, and together they represent more than three decades of experience.

While the project itself has existed for a few years, driven by Tamborrino’s imagination and a spirit of improvisation, Original Cultures will be releasing Don Karate’s self-titled album in January 2020, its first as a trio. The eight songs that make up the album were written by Tamborrino and recorded by Ponticelli in between Pisa, Arezzo, Florence, and Bologna. Ponticelli also acts as co-producer alongside Tamborrino.

Ahead of the album two tracks are being released as a single in December 2019. “La Classe” is Don Karate’s take on pop standards, with Tamborinno layering vocals over a rolling groove propelled by Ponticelli’s bass and a childlike percussive melody from Mirra. “Ice Age” for its part speaks to the group’s interest in hip-hop rhythms and electronic weight, a tumbling beat smothered in thick bass and bright twirls of synthesizers.

Don Karate is the soundtrack to the imaginary music in your head. So get ready to dance like no one is looking.

released December 6, 2019