Abstract Truth | The Road Less Traveled

Tags

African American, Contemporary Jazz, Jazz Funk

As usual, I’m enthralled about discovering creative and new independent voices by importing them from the well of infinite music that is at our disposal. Although at times, this can be a challenging endeavor with the rewards of being a very exciting journey. On today, I’m honored to share with you a promising contemporary jazz group called Abstract Truth. The band approaches their music with style and purpose, therefore engaging in a lively discussion compositionally by embodying a melting pot blended with raw, soulful and funky ingredients. Truth’s interplay is simply on point. They’re overall message musically is attractive, unpolished and flawless as I hear it. Yet they are sensitive to meeting the needs of the sometimes discriminating listeners. It appears to me, Abstract Truth is a no-nonsense group that intelligently mirrors the image of familiar voices of their predecessors. That said, against all odds they have successfully established their own voice through a rite of passage on a road that’s not often traveled. ~ The Urban Flux

Abstract Truth

Abstract Truth | The Road Less Traveled [Fourstring Records, 2009]

Living on the edge of classification, weaving jazz with soul, R&B, African and Latin rhythms, rock, gospel, blues, and funk.

The musical foundation is the subtle, masterful interplay of the drums (Sultan Akbar), percussion (Rajul) and bass (the band’s founding member, G. Lawrence Francis). On top of that groove the horn (Jesse Andross) and keys (Scott Coulter) create a rich, vibrant and complex melodic and harmonic world echoing everything from straight ahead jazz to rock. Borrowing from this rich tapestry of musical traditions.

Source: CDBaby.com

Vijay Iyer | Tragicomic

Tags

Culture, Improvised Music, Jazz, Piano

Vijay Iyer | Tragicomic [Sunnyside, 2008]

Vijay Iyer, Tragicomic

Imagine a pianist with Thelonious Monk’s angularity, Cecil Taylor’s force, and Andrew Hill’s genius, coupled with a profound compositional mind that extends, elevates, and elaborates on the traditions of jazz, world, and Indian music, and you ll get Vijay Iyer, the most critically acclaimed improvisationally oriented artist of this young century. Named the # 1 Rising Star Jazz Artist of the Year and the # 1 Rising Star Composer of the Year in Down Beat magazine s 2006 and 2007 International Critics Poll, this sensational South Asian/American pianist/composer/author/educator has performed and recorded with an impressive roster of stars, from Steve Coleman and John Zorn, to poet Amiri Baraka and the rap duo dead prez, and has presented a number of astonishing CDs as a leader and co-leader.

Iyer s music mirrors the complex political, economic, religious and social challenges in today s world, which results in a kind of quantum jazz: a poly-tempoed approach, where two listeners can hear two different time signatures at the same point in a composition. The Coltrane-coded The Weight of Things and Becoming open and close the CD.

Source: Amazon.com

Anne Drummond | Like Water

Tags

Flute, Jazz, ObliqSound

Flutist Anne Drummond releases debut album “Like Water” In Stores NOW! Available now in USA/Canada and digitally worldwide ….

Anne Drummond

As a female jazz flutist, Anne Drummond is a rarity among rarities. Although the instrument has been utilized in jazz for several decades, it has never been as ubiquitous as the saxophone, trumpet or trombone, and virtually every acknowledged master has been male. That all changes with the September 15th arrival of Like Water, the debut recording from the artist repeatedly named a Rising Star by Downbeat magazine and featured in a cover story of Flute Talk magazine. Among her greatest admirers is one massively famous flutist, Ian Anderson of the rock band Jethro Tull, who sought Drummond out and invited her to join him onstage at a forthcoming New York gig.

As its title implies, Like Water is marked by a fluidity that is itself rare. Exploring the sensual, evocative sounds and intoxicating rhythms of Brazil, and accompanied by a small band of virtuosos–Klaus Mueller and Xavier Davis (piano), Paul Meyers (guitar), Nilson Matta (bass), Duduka da Fonseca (drums), Tom Chiu (violin) and Dave Eggar (cello)–Drummond imbues Like Water’s eight alternately soothing and soaring tracks, both original compositions and carefully chosen interpretations, with uncommon spirit and grace.

Herbie Hancock | Secrets

Tags

African American, Contemporary Jazz, Herbie Hancock, Keyboards, Piano

Herbie Hancock, Secrets

Herbie Hancock | Secrets [Columbia/Sony, 1976] – Revisited

As you know, more often than not it’s a delight to dig into the crates (shelves) and pull out a gem by one of your favorite artists. At this juncture, I give props to the legendary Grammy winning, visionary, composer, arranger, producer, jazz/funk keyboardist Herbie Hancock and his 1976 album “Secrets.” All particulars aside, he stands firmly at the head of the pack of A-list artists as a mentor, player, and composer in the music industry.

“Secrets” is nicely marinated with infused and intricate textures that Mr. Hancock has been noted to grace listeners with over the years. For those of you whose been around a minute, you should recall during the 60’s and 70’s on most jazz recordings you had four to ten cuts on a jazz album. With “Secrets,” Hancock strategically aligns his voice into “seven” alluring, yet accessible compositions to groove, listen and enjoy with each spin.