released: july 3rd, 2026

genre: jazz

from: france, based in london, uk

label: tonal union

a few thoughts: radiant, joyful and utterly mesmeric, pascal bideau as akusmi has created a real masterpiece with terra incognita. the 7-track album contains sprawling compositions that feature sarathy korwar on tabla and percussion, dudù kouate on percussion, including pygmy flutes, ngoni, birdsongs, kanjira, tama and vocals, marysia osu on harp, and daniel brandt on electronics along with other talented artists. from the stunning 10-minute opener “a waking dream” to the world rhythmic closer “dawning dusk”, the album feels heavily rooted in diasporic african and east asian musical influences, while also giving nods to the spritual energy of greats like pharoah sanders, sun ra and alice coltrane. the intricate saxophone composition of “anima” is incredible, while tracks like “club subterranea”, “pleine lune” and “drongo’s flute” have these dynamic and intense rhythms that create a dance-like energy that is just utterly infectious. there’s a real hypnotic quality to “rain dance”, which may be my favourite track off the album. the energy sarathy korwar brings on the tabla is just infectious and utterly mesmerising, while the intense, polyrhythmic compositions and the building, growing energy of the track makes for a bold and immersive listen. overall, terra incognita is a beautiful, hypnotic and spellbinding spiritual jazz release with so much uplifting and joyful energy to it. akusmi has really created a modern masterpiece.

the album: