When I first listened to Broken Sands, the album by Axel Retif, I was immediately reminded of that day and sensed that his music stood apart from that of many of my colleagues. It is clear he is telling a deeply personal story, one drawn from his complex and chaotic inner world. His music seems to emerge from the unseen layers of his origin, revealing emotions and memories often buried beneath the surface.
To me, the title Broken Sands also evokes a remote and inaccessible region, a place that only becomes available after a long journey filled with trials and discoveries. Much like that hidden land, Axel’s music unfolds gradually, revealing a terrain that can only be accessed through patience and attentive listening.
Arshia Samsaminia
Tehran, Iran, 2025
Electric, dynamic, roug; many words can be used to describe Axel Retif’s new album, but probably, the word that stands above all others is, unique. In this new project, the listener can find four different pieces, all with astoundingly relatable characteristics, yet, each composition possesses an individual personality.
Eduardo Orea
Arizona, USA, 2022
Various coincidences happened so that I could realize this recording project, or as I like to call them, moments of synchronicity; synchronicities that I can’t explain, but that cre-ated opportunities for me to grow artistically and that I would like to think were given to me for my dedication to my music. These “meaningful coincidences” began in 2018, the year in which I began my career as a composer, and culminated this year when the opportunity arose for me to select some of my works for this album.
Axel Retif
Mexico City, Mexico, 2021
Rodrigo Mata and his Mushamukas Ensamble de Contrabajos have done the music world and the double bass community a great service with their recording Ecos de Viaje: Homenaje a Stefano Scodanibbio. This is a loving homage to the late, great Stefano Scodanibbio. The 13 tracks, composed by 9 of the bass world’s most creative voices, form a fascinating body of music that is brilliantly performed and beautifully recorded. This is a must-hear and must-have CD.
Robert Black