An evolved, ecosystemic love expression of Carlos Niño’s self-described “Spiritual, Improvisational, Space, Collage” expression – (I’m just) Chillin’, on Fire is the prolific percussionist/producer’s most singular, intentional work ever, featuring a vibrant and abundant gathering of his “friends” (i.e. the highly skilled and accomplished musicians and improvisers that make up Niño’s extensive network of collaborators)
An evolved, ecosystem love expression of Carlos Niño’s self-described “Spiritual, Improvisational, Space, Collage” sound - (I’m just) Chillin’, on Fire is the prolific percussionist/producer’s most singular, intentional work ever, featuring a vibrant and abundant gathering of his “friends” (i.e. the highly skilled and accomplished musicians and improvisers that make up Niño’s extensive network of collaborators).
He’s rolling deep on this one. Featured artists across 80+ minutes of music include saxophone titan Kamasi Washington, AACM-affiliated creative music legend Maia, synth-guitarist/producer Nate Mercereau, bubbling violinst/vocalist V.C.R, ambient dance innovator Phoay, prodigious rhythmist Deantoni Parks, South African vocalist Sibusile Xaba,keyboardist and Alice Coltrane protégé Surya Botofasina, pianist Jamael Dean, Dntel, Aaron Shaw, Diego Gaeta, Laraaji, Adam Rudolph, Josh Johnson, Jamire Williams, Woo and more, including André 3000, who makes an appearance on flutes.
For such a magnificent convergence of sonic journeyers and such a masterful presentation of sounds - all of which is hugged together by Niño’s lucid post-productive guidance, as he makes Q-Tip/DJ Premier-like architectures out of fluid explorations and minimalist musical atmospheres - the undersold title “(I’m just) Chillin’, on Fire” is both humorous and totally appropriate for anyone who is open enough to understand what this artist’s art is all about. It’s also Niño’s answer to a question that he’s frequently asked: “Are You a Shaman? I feel the Medicine in your Music. You are a Shaman aren’t You?” To such kind ideas Niño likes to reply: “(I’m just) Chillin’, on Fire, Deeply Sharing…”