Banga

'banga' is patti smith's first collection of original material since 2004's critically-acclaimed trampin'. the album was recorded at electric lady studios in new york city and produced by patti smith and her band: tony shanahan, jay dee daugherty and her long-time collaborator lenny kaye. featured guests include tom verlaine, jack petruzzelli, smith's son jackson and daughter jesse paris. inspired by smith's unique dreams and observations, 'banga's poetic lyrics are a reflection of our complex world a world that is rife with chaos and beauty. praised for her storytelling abilities, smith has crafted an album that captures a wide range of human experience. there is an exploratory spirit in the songs that make up 'banga', including a melodic overture imagining the voyage of amerigo vespucci to the new world in 1497 ('amerigo'), a rock song for the people of japan in the wake of last years earthquake ('fuji-san'), a classic ballad in memory of amy winehouse ('this is the girl'), an improvised meditation on art and nature ('constantine's dream') as well as a birthday song written for her friend johnny depp ('nine').