Mythos is a creative collaboration between guitarist Randy Roos (Urethane, Club d’Elf, Orchestra Luna) and multi-instrumentalist Dave Kobrenski (Afroflute, Donkilo Afro Funk Orchestra, Landaya Ensemble).

On Mythos, sonic frontiers are crossed and genres mix seamlessly, creating a sound that is both familiar and at times otherworldly. Along with support from drummer Tim Gilmore and bassist Mike Rossi, Roos and Kobrenski create an atmosphere as rich and varied as the ancient legends each song pays tribute to.

With compositions that were born out of an improvisatory process, Mythos features deftly woven guitar lines that soar easily alongside the West African Fula flute, 10-string kamale ngoni, and djembé. The mood here is palpable, each song a tapestry of sound. Mythos invites the listener to ease back, slip the headphones on, and travel to new landscapes of sound.

Tracks

All songs written by Randy Roos and Dave Kobrenski.

Unless otherwise noted:
Randy Roos: guitars and bass.
Dave Kobrenski: Fula flute, kamale ngoni, calabash, djembé, percussion.

1. Daybreak on Parnassus
   Parnassus is a mountain in Greece where, according to Greek mythology, the Muses lived. It is known as the mythological home of music.
   Featuring Mike Rossi on bass and Tim Gilmore on drums.

2. The Rise & Fall of Songhai
   Songhai was an empire in West Africa that rose in the wake of the Mali Empire, and flourished for only a century. At its peak, its territory covered nearly a million square miles. A series of coups left the empire in a weakened state, and in 1591, Morocco destroyed the Songhai army and captured the capital city of Gao, making it the last of the great West African empires.

3. Arcturus Rising
   Arcturus is one of the five brightest stars in the night sky, and is about 25 times larger than the Sun. In ancient times, spring began when Arcturus rose in the east in the early evening.
   Featuring Mike Rossi on bass and Tim Gilmore on drums.

4. The Mists of Simandou
   Simandou is a mountain range in the forest region of Guinea, near Nzérékoré. The mountains hold some of the world’s richest biodiversity—and also the world’s largest untapped supply of iron ore. The mines are hotly contested by the world’s superpowers. Yet the mines have struggled to become profitable. Some people say that the mines are cursed, a result of upsetting the natural balance of the mountains.

5. The Road to Kailash
   Kailash is a mountain in southwestern Tibet, and is considered supremely sacred. No one has ever climbed it, and it’s forbidden in the Hindu religion. According to legend, a group of climbers attempted it once, and after they crossed the forbidden line, they quickly aged four decades and turned back.
   Featuring Tim Gilmore on drums.