Wah Wah 45s are very proud to present the debut LP from an exciting, brand new signing for 2025. The music of Isaac de Martin, otherwise known as IKE, blends jazz and electronic influences into warm, smooth, and often cinematic soundscapes. A certain eclecticism is not surprising considering that the composer, producer and guitarist was born in Italy into a musical family with British roots, studied classical guitar, graduated in jazz and went on to develop his personal style through creative experimentation, live touring and collaborative work with artists from a variety of disciplines and countries.
Under the shadow of the pandemic, IKE headed to Egypt, a country that has always held a deep fascination for him. Finding sanctuary between teaching at Cairo’s Heliopolis University and observing the progress of an ecological development community, the creative foundation of IKE’s forthcoming LP, entitled On Higher Dreams began to take form.
Music holds a revered position in Egyptian culture; it has done so for countless generations. With a western eye, some can be guilty of seeing music solely through the lens of entertainment. In Egypt, music holds its more natural position, as an essential and supportive accompaniment to the human experience.
In Egyptian universities, faculty meetings often commence with live concerts, setting the correct tone and environment for the discussions to follow. IKE was invited to perform in this setting, and this approach to music, as well as the philosophy that underpins it, was keenly absorbed.
In western culture, all too often we bear the contrast of living with a physical and social connection, freedom and expression against one with isolation, restriction and fear. For IKE, Egypt displayed another stark contrast; one which formed the thematic centre of On Higher Dreams.
It is water that dictates the pulse of life in Egypt, with the Nile Delta standing as a lush, nourishing testament to the transformative power of the element, when set against the backdrop of the arid landscape it carves its ways through. There is a deep connection between the people of Egypt and this life-giving force. This album is an ode to this fundamental relationship.
Upon returning to Europe, IKE spent a year digesting, interpreting, understanding and refining the spirit of the work, before setting about recording in 2022 at Big Snuff Studios, Berlin. The all-analog setup that was available allowed IKE to integrate the warmth of ’60s and ’70s recordings, creating an atmospheric bed on which contemporary synths could lie. A live studio environment was consciously selected to preserve the raw, honest emotion of the performances.
Tracks like Nilo capture the lifeblood of Egypt—the Nile—while Sidda navigates the journey down the Blue Nile to its source at Lake Tana in Ethiopia, paying tribute to Ethiopian traditional music. Risorgini is a homage to Italian film composer Giuliano Sorgini, blending experimental and Afro elements into a resuscitation of his musical approach.
The album’s overall vintage yet dynamic atmosphere, reinforces the themes of nature and existential flow. It is this that perhaps most prominently shines through on the record. It invites listeners to open themselves to the ebb and flow of life, encouraging a spontaneous, heartfelt engagement with the world in the spirit of acceptance and serenity. IKE’s journey through Egypt serves as both a narrative and a metaphor for this liberating approach to life—where, like the water of the Nile, we find our own paths naturally, beautifully, inevitably to reach Higher Dreams.
With thanks to Charlie Jungle.
Reactions & Radio Play
Nilo featured on Bandcamp Selects https://bandcamp.com/?show=845
Featured in the Qobuz New In Jazz Playlist
open.qobuz.com/playlist/
Featured in the Jazz Italia Playlist
https://rb.gy/91qn19
“Glad it’s arrived! Great stuff.” Chris Philips (Jazz FM / One Jazz, UK)
“Awesome.” Robert Lochmann (Radio X, Germany)
“A kind of afro-cinemaphonics that’ll suit the playlist of our webradios.” Laurent (La Grosse Tambouille, Radio Broussaille, France)
“Excellent music & sound!” Makala (Global Funkers, Spain)
“Wow, really a special album. The tension takes hold right from the first track and lasts for the entire length of the album. Wonderful!” Sven Thomschke (Radio z95.8FM, Germany)
“Totalement emballée par la douceur de cet album.” Veronique Prebolin (Radio Krimi, France)
“Brilliant album!!!” Markus Milz (Radio Corax, Germany)
“Nice album.” Ivan Mera (Higher Club, Spain)
“Great collection of tunes.” Steve KIW (1BTN, UK)
“Amazing Work! Congrats!” Enrique Domenech (CKUT 90.3FM, Canada)
“Nice sounds.” Sista Selecta (2Bob Radio, Australia)
“Lots to like on here. Will be playing across both of my shows.” Karl Phillips (Source 96.1FM, UK)
“Fantastic album.” Rado Tomek (Nu Spirit, Slovakia)
“Super nice!” Karsten John (Vinyl Vibes, Germany)
“A glorious body of work & I keep discovering new things as. I listen – right now Danny Kuttner is for me LARGE.” Lee Bright (Tangential Music, UK)
“Slinky, cool jazz grooves with an altogether Middle Eastern edge to the sound, drawing out the beauty of the instrumentation and arrangements of this ensemble. A rock solid production which very much compliments the music and highlights some excellent performances.” Drummie Dave (Various, UK)
“Lovely journey through different moods and textures.” Nigel Wood (8 Track Music, UK)
“Re-posted – Brilliant. Many thanks http://www.youandthemusic.com/2025/05/review-ike-on-higher-dreams-wah-wah-45s.html” Gerry Hectic (You And The Music, UK)
Radio play of Clay from Ras Danny (KBoo 90.7FM, USA)
