John Tchicai and Cadentia Nova Danica - Afrodisiaca (1969)

“Afrodisiaca” is a vibrant and highly adventurous large-ensemble jazz recording that reflects John Tchicai’s lifelong commitment to creative improvisation and cross-cultural musical exploration. Released in 2008, the album brings together the expansive forces of Cadentia Nova Danica in a richly textured performance that merges free jazz energy with African rhythmic influences, experimental orchestration, and avant-garde ensemble interaction. The music unfolds through layered horn arrangements, spontaneous improvisation, hypnotic percussion patterns, and constantly shifting sonic colors that create a deeply immersive listening experience.

Tchicai’s alto and soprano saxophone work remains expressive and spiritually focused, guiding the ensemble through both dense collective passages and more spacious atmospheric sections. The wide instrumentation adds tremendous depth to the recording, with multiple saxophones, brass, woodwinds, percussion instruments, and unconventional textures blending into a dynamic and unpredictable soundscape. Pieces such as “Heavenly Love On A Planet” and the title composition demonstrate the ensemble’s ability to balance structured themes with open improvisational freedom. The album’s organic recording quality captures the raw energy and communal spirit of the performance, making “Afrodisiaca” an essential release for listeners interested in progressive large-ensemble jazz and experimental world-influenced improvisation.

Tracklist:
01. Afrodisiaca
02. Heavenly Love On A Planet
03. Fodringsmontage
04. This Is Heaven
05. Lakshmi

Personnel
Joergen Thorup - clarinet
Claus Boeje - drums
Jon Finsen - drums
Pierre Doerge - guitar
Ole Matthissen - organ
Anthony Barnett - percussion, tabla
Christian Kyhl - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, triangle
John Tchicai - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone
Sune Weimar - alto saxophone
Michael Schou - alto saxophone, flute
Ole Kuhl - tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
Mogens Bollerup - tenor saxophone
Willem Breuker - tenor saxophone, bass clarinet
Mauritz Tchicai - trombone
Theo Rabek - trumpet, claves
Hugh Steinmetz - trumpet
Willy Jagert - ophicleide
Steffen Andersen - bass
Bent Hesselmann - flute
Georgio Musoni - balafon, African drums, gong
J.C. Moses - cow bells, bongo
Simon Koppel - tympani
Max Bruel - baritone saxophone
Niels Harrit - tenor saxophone, flute, saw
Kim Meinzer - trombone, flute
Ole Mathissen - cymbal