New York City

Dec 28 2018

Album of the Day: “Origami Harvest” by Ambrose Akinmusire

 

Artist:  Ambrose Akinmusire

Album:  Origami Harvest

Label:  Blue Note Records

Style:  Unconventional protest / Transcendent poetry

Favorite Track:  “Americana/The Garden Waits For You To Match Her Wilderness”

Music from:  New York City

What I like about it:  This album possesses an immediacy.  It hangs over every other quality, and it bleeds out of every note.  The immediacy is omnipresent, and this is never more evident than how the themes of racism, political divides, societal barriers and all those things that keep us apart stay right there in your face no matter how often the music shifts phases of influence between those of modern jazz, hip hop, chamber music, R&B, pop, and spoken word.  It’s as if Ambrose Akinmusire is stating that there will be no refuge from these problems, that they follow no matter where we go, either physically or allegorically via our choices in music.  Except, perhaps, the album itself.  Because, I like (love) how Origami Harvest is almost a refuge from all of the pain and fear and despair that hangs over us these days, even as the trumpeter’s ensemble goes about addressing it in a way that is as direct as it is poetic.

I like how wild and frenetic the music gets while never giving any other impression than everything is under control… a focused and concentrated chaos that is allowed to fully realize its preordained randomness but will always be framed in a specific point of view that calmly advises, “We got this.”  On past recordings, Akinmusire has incorporated a roll call of victims of the structural racism that poisons this society, and while it was always a powerful moment just by way of the memories their naming invokes, the current iteration of that device on “Free, White and 21” hits an entirely new plateau.  As the names of the deceased are read off, there are cries and shouts that strike through the heart of the song.  There is something terribly unnerving about them.  They’re raw and unguarded, and they border on theatrical, and surreal in that way only the most vulnerable displays of emotion can present themselves… where things are too real and we’re forced to interface with them through disbelief.  At the other end of spectrum but creating the same effect are the calm, painfully deadpan vocals on “Americana/The Garden Waits For You To Match Her Wilderness” that are disconcertingly out of place for the subjects addressed.  I like all of that.

I like that this album just smacked me right in the face even as it filled my heart with the hope and joy music is capable of delivering even during the hardest times.  I like how this album keeps finding new ways to surprise, new details that emerge, and I love how it makes me want to keep writing about it, even long after I type the words The End.

Your album personnel:  Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet, voice), Marcus Gilmore (drums), Sam Harris (piano, keyboards), Walter Smith III (tenor sax), Kool A.D. (voice), Michael Aaberg (keyboards), LmbrJck_t (voice) and Mivos Quartet of Olivia De Prato (violin), Lauren Cauley Kalal (violin), Victor Lowrie Tafoya (viola) and Mariel Roberts (cello).

Available at:  Amazon

Be sure to check out the artist’s site.

And check out this amazing video:

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Dec 3 2018

The Round-up: The process had lost its magic long ago

 

Here is some very good new music

 

Felipe Salles Interconnections Ensemble – The Lullaby Project (Tapestry Records)

Felipe Salles doesn’t have to come at you with a hard sell on his latest.  The comforting sighs of melody and soothing waves of harmony are plenty evidence of his intent to compose for jazz orchestra the Brazilian lullabies of his childhood.  Even when his ensemble lets loose a surge of intensity, there’s always a sense of goal=sweet dreams.  The whole album is gorgeous, but good god, that fourth movement is stunning.  Music from NYC.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Amazon

 

Andrew Hadro – For Us, The Living II: Marcescence (Tone Rogue Records)

This is the second release in Andrew Hadro‘s For Us, The Living series, and, really, the important point to let sink in is that this is seriously engaging music.  Sometimes the engagement is how a ballad gets the listener to sink into its embrace, and sometimes that engagement comes via a riveting dialog, full of lyricism and vivid imagery.  The same could be said about the initial recording, which I still enjoy playing from time to time.  The theme of the two recordings is a focus on living composers, and that’s always thrown me a bit, since the first in the series was mostly Hadro originals.  The current installment swings the ratio in the other direction (including comps by Wayne Shorter, Sean Pentland, Chris Cheek, and Julian Shore… who also performs on the newest), and seems more in line with the intent.  Included among the renditions is a cover of Radiohead’s “Faust Arp,” and I don’t care how many of you groan god, do we really need another Radiohead cover? my answer is always yes, we do.  The frequency of occurrence in no way negates how much loveliness available to jazz musicians to suss out from a Radiohead tune.  There’s also a cover Bill Frisell’s “Throughout,” which as any casual reader of this site knows, that’s the fastest way to get my attention.  The act of recognizing a new jazz songbook of modern standards is an intriguing concept, and seems like the kind of thing that could bring a sense of cohesion to a modern scene that is (wonderfully) unconstrained and fragmented in its forms of expression.  The idea of one original included among those composed in the modern era appeals to me; it’ll be interesting to see if Hadro continues in that direction.  Music from NYC.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

 

Sons of Kemet – Your Queen is a Reptile (Impulse Records)

Though justifiably attributed as a focal point of the resurgent London music scene, the thing of it is, Shabaka Hutchings creative trajectory covers more geography than just one locale.  The latest from Sons of Kemet is a testament to that, and this is something measured by its sonic perspective as well as one political.  The rhythmic dialogues are like points on a map, marking a journey between cities, countries and continents.  The album and song titles are a shout across the bow, simultaneously undercutting the idea of royal lineage and lofting up an alternate suggestion of who is the true royalty of these times.  But transcending the intriguing underpinnings of this album is how supremely joyful the music is.  The tuba of Theon Cross is just as responsible for the delightful rhythmic bounce as the cast of drummers who contribute, and the guest vocalists add some heat to the affair along with additional saxophonists Nubya Garcia and Pete Wareham.  Music from London.

Artist site | Buy:  Amazon

 

Rafael Thomaz Septeto – Ainda dá tempo? (Tratore)

This is just a gorgeous session from guitarist Rafael Thomaz.  A unity of Brazilian, classical and jazz, his septet brings out the beauty of each melody, and lets the harmonies shine like the heavens opening up for all to see.  There are some interludes spread throughout, and their introspective nature is a nice contrasting element.  Flutist Cesar Pereira, oboist Tiago Marques, clarinetist Alexandre Ribeiro, saxophonist Bruno Cabral, bassist Henrique Tarrason and drummer Fabio Augustinis join Thomaz on this lovely recording.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

 

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Nov 24 2018

The Round-up: There was nothing to do except for what I always did

 

Here is some very good new music

 

Steve Swell – Music for Six Musicians: Hommage à Olivier Messiaen (Silkheart Records)

It says it right there in the title:  Six musicians.  And, yet, every time I’ve sat down to write about this album, I do another google search to confirm that, in fact, Steve Swell did not invite an orchestra to perform on this recording.  This music is dense, yet precise, like staring down at the intricacy of a microchip.  It’s also rich with textures, a kaleidoscopic explosion of sound that is difficult to absorb in its totality.  The difference between the states of volatile dissonance and comforting melodicism are a fine line, and it’s a quality that behaves as a unifying force.  The NYC-based trombonist is joined by alto saxophonist Rob Brown, violinist-violist Jason Kao Hwang, cellist Tomas Ulrich, percussionist Jim Pugliese and Robert Boston on both piano and organ.  This music is immense.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

 

Yoni Kretzmer’s New Dilemma – Months, Weeks and Days (OutNow Recordings)

I didn’t fully appreciate the furious blasts of avant-garde dissonance that leads out this recording until it slowly receded into a lovely harmonic bliss of chamber music.  This jazz improv-chamber session from Yoni Kretzmer’s New Dilemma hits all the right notes, but how it all unfolds is why this music is so damn charismatic.  Just outstanding.  New Dilemma is tenor saxophonist Yoni Kretzmer, violist Frantz Loriot, cellist Christopher Hoffman, bass clarinetist Josh Sinton, double bassist Pascal Niggenkemper and drummer Flin Van Hemmen.  Music from Brooklyn, NY.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp

 

Jesse Peterson Quartet – Man of the Earth (Ears & Eyes Records)

There’s an infectious enthusiasm to the debut from Jesse Peterson.  But above and beyond that effusiveness are the thick melodies and rhythmic engagement that possesses an anthemic nature.  When you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps, this is the album you go have a beer with to get your spirits picked back up.  The drummer is joined by saxophonist Adam Scheit, pianist Jorn Swart and bassist Andrew Schiller.  Music from NYC.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp

 

Auziņš/Čudars/Arutyunyan – Baltic (Self-Produced)

The title-track on this curious recording from the trio of saxophonist Kārlis Auziņš, guitarist Matīss Čudars and drummer Ivars Arutyunyan digs into a blues riff and milks it for all its got.  It’s addictive and it’s seductive and it’s the kind of track that can rope a listener in and not let them go.  But it’s those pieces where dissonance comes in sudden bursts and the concept of song structure isn’t one given much regard when the album shines its strongest.  It’s an odd album with an odd sound, and it’s got a magnetic personality.  Music from Riga, Latvia.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

 

Evan Salvacion Levine – Mestizo (Shifting Paradigm Records)

There’s a pleasant, breezy atmosphere to this trio session from bassist Evan Salvacion Levine, guitarist Matt Gold and drummer Andrew Green.  Pointed melodies are delivered with a casualness that almost belies their sharp precision.  That alone is pretty compelling, but the charm of the recording radiates from the rich rhythmic dialog the trio develops along the way.  That person you know who is just so amicable and easy to like and gets along with everyone?  This album is the sonic equivalent.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

 

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Nov 22 2018

The Round-up: Being there

 

Here is some very good new music

 

CLT Trio – Every Second is a Blues (Self-Produced)

The CLT Trio come out strong with the minimalist expressions, so that even later when they ramp up the volatility to a boiling point, there remains a sense of a dark, quiet night where the silence is interrupted only by the occasional chirping of crickets.  What’s more, double bassist Casper Nyvang Rask, pianist Lars Fiil and drummer Terkel Nørgaard have given seven separate improvisations a remarkable cohesion.  The pieces each have their own personality, but the flow from one to the next are like consecutive hours all belonging to the same day.  Music from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp

 

The Marie Goudy 12tet – The Bitter Suite (Self-Produced)

The blast of harmonic warmth generated on this large ensemble session is by itself worth the price of admission, but it’s the subtle ways that Marie Goudy guides musicians to delicately weave their individual sounds into the flow of Jocelyn Barth’s vocals that represents the winning quality of The Bitter Suite.  Also, Charlotte Alexander’s contribution bolsters my argument that there’s simply not enough French horn on modern jazz recordings.  Music from Toronto, Ontario.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

 

Adison Evans – Meridian (Self-Produced)

There’s a straightforward expressiveness to the latest from Adison Evans that is seriously refreshing.  There’s nothing over the top on Meridian.  It’s got some tunes that groove, some that gently sway, others that bop along, and even some classical influence here and there… but all of it falls within the expected range of a modern post-bop recording.  But the saxophonist attains a certain feel with each note, the way some orators can make everyday words ring with a greater meaning and force to drive their point home.  That’s what Evans, her sextet and guests do on this solid recording.  Music from NYC.

Artist site | Buy:  Amazon

 

Noah Preminger & Rob Garcia Dead Composers Club – Chopin Project (Self-Produced)

It’s Frederic Chopin whose name graces the compositions on this session, but it’s not always obvious. That’s a big reason for this album’s charm.  Some interpretations move with a solemn tone where others have a casual swing, while some turn the heat way way up.  In truth, not knowing the album’s inspiration or source material doesn’t become an obstacle to enjoying this recording simply on its own merits.  Tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger, guitarist Nate Radley, bassist Kim Cass and drummer Rob Garcia offer up music that is often subtle, except those sudden moments when its revealed for everything it is.  I keep returning to this album throughout the year, and each time it’s a reminder of how affecting it is, like how photographs can return the emotional impact of the original experience.  Music from NYC.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Amazon

 

John Christensen – Dear Friend (Shifting Paradigm Records)

There’s a real sense that John Christensen was locked into a melodic inspiration on this session.  Right from the start and all the way through ’til the end, there’s an implication that every note is just an individual facet of one vision, and the bassist is simply examining it from every angle.  Aside from a satisfying sense of cohesion, the end result is music that is absorbing in that same way that staring into the depths of a clear lake can lock the attention endlessly in place.  The bassist is joined by pianist Johannes Wallmann, guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Andrew Green.  Music from Madison, WI.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

 

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Oct 29 2018

The Round-up: I wanted to be invisible

 

Here is some very good new music.

 

Wolfgang Muthspiel – Where the River Goes (ECM Records)

Wolfgang Muthspiel is really locked in on his latest.  There is a level of enchantment going on here that pretty much will keep you hitting the play button over and over again each time Where the River Goes comes to an end.  When lullaby melodies settle into a susurrus of rhythm are the album’s strongest moments, but when tracks like “One Day My Prince Was Gone” and “Blueshead” leap into action, it’s only a change in the delivery of the spell and not its stunning effect.  This kind of success is pretty well guaranteed when you enlist the likes of trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Eric Harland to set the thing in motion.

Artist site | Available at:  Amazon

 

La Colectiva – El Chombo, El Blanco y El Mulato Vol. 2 (El Sonido Es Tuyo Records)

This album is so much damn fun.  The trio of keyboardist and trumpeter Aquiles Navarro, bassist Jota Ortiz and drummer Tony Drums go big with the synthesizer drama, where every melodic statement is a shout to the skies and as catchy as a pop tune.  Some modern jazz, some electronica, some tipico of their native Panama, and it all comes together for big statements that flow with a motion for the dance floor.  The moog action is particularly rewarding, like how an infectious laugh pairs nicely with a wide smile.  Worth noting that Navarro is the trumpeter on the excellent 2017 release by Irreversible Entanglements.  Music from Panama City, Panama.

Artist site | Listen | Available at:  Bandcamp – Amazon

 

Jozef Dumoulin & Orca Noise Unit – A Beginner’s Guide to Diving and Flying (Yolk Records)

It’s an uneasy serenity maintained by Jozef Dumoulin throughout this recording.  Even though most of the album hangs in the air like a murmur, it leaves an unsettling feeling that everything could explode without warning.  Intriguingly, it never really does.  Yes, there are some disruptions of dissonance, but those are the exceptions and only slight reprieves from the simmering tension that marks the recording.  The pianist is joined by flutist Sylvaine Hélary, saxophonist Antonin Tri Hoang, double bassist Bruno Chevillon and percussionist Toma Gouband.  Music from Paris, France.

Artist site | Listen | Available at:  Bandcamp – Amazon

 

Sean Conly – Hard Knocks (Clean Feed Records)

Okay, let’s start running.  Everything about the latest from Sean Conly gives the impression those were the words he used to begin the recording session for Hard Knocks.  This straight-forward post-bop session is all about the interactions between trio members as they briskly follow parallel lines of communication.  The bassist is joined by long-time collaborators Satoshi Takeishi (on drums) and Michaël Attias (on alto sax), and the benefits of that relationship are best represented by their synchronicity at high speeds.  Music from NYC.

Artist site | Listen | Available at:  Bandcamp – Amazon

 

Brad Mehldau Trio – Seymour Reads the Constitution! (Nonesuch Records)

Look, you’re never gonna go wrong scooping up a Brad Mehldau release.  There’s a strong argument to be made that Mehldau is the epitome of the modern piano trio.  The pianist’s latest does nothing to counter that premise, displaying the solid craftsmanship and harmonic warmth emblematic of his output.  There’s nothing particularly new about his latest, but that’s not meant as a criticism nor is it a bad thing.  With drummer Jeff Ballard and bassist Larry Grenadier, Mehldau offers up some originals, some takes on modern pop tunes, and a rendition of something from the bop era.

Artist site | Available at:  Amazon

 

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