(Vital Weekly) Something completely different is the collaboration between “Rahul, a Tabla and pakhawaj player from India, and Aldo Ahmad, a multi-instrumentalist and instrument builder from Indonesia”, going by the name Saudura Tua, “meaning “elder sibling,” reflects both a bond of kinship and the wisdom of ancient musical lineages, reimagined through contemporary, experimental soundscapes.” I know next to nothing about the musical traditions of these countries, but the label tells me this music has “roots that span Sumatran traditions and Western classical training.” The music was recorded in Bandung and has a somewhat improvisational character, with one of these players also using his voice. I readily admit that this release ticks many boxes in areas where I have no expertise, such as improvisation, global music, and traditional music, among others. It seems at times an oddball combination at work here, but somehow it works well, even if not my cup of tea. If you want to hear something out of the ordinary (as in VW ordinary), then I suggest going to this place. - Frans de Waard