Outside the Box
Knoxville Progressive’s got the night off and forgot to lock the door, so here we go…the Outside Version…Jazz Jam 2.0.
The history of Jazz, considered by many to be the one, true American musical art form, has always embraced various influences. Birthed as a combination of Western and African musical traditions, including Blues, Spirituals, Field Hollers, Hymns, etc., it has constantly evolved. As it became known and embraced by cultures around the world, playing to diverse audiences world wide, it has continued to draw from, and absorb, the musical styles and traditions to which the performers have been exposed. This has resulted in a cross fertilization and blending of many disparate sources, within the ” house of many rooms”, as a friend of mine calls it, of what is referred to as Jazz.
This diversity is alive and well and continues to vie for influence and acceptance with the universally accepted styles. Unfortunately, jazz aficionados, a small group to begin with, have become divided over what constitutes Real Jazz, while the musicians, themselves, have continued to fuse jazz idioms with other genres.
I do not subscribe to the traditionalist’s viewpoint that jazz is a static art form where improvisation is allowed only within prescribed limits.
Lets see where they’re leading us…
First, the latest addition to the eclectic music collection at Casa Dada
Kahil El’Zabar’s Ritual Trio – Live at the River East Art Center
Let me preface this with an acknowledgment of the fact that I strongly hold that the best way to experience, enjoy and understand music is to see it live. That being said, the second-best way is to get a Live Recording…
This is a stunning album with a quality of ” quiet determinism, a lyrical sense of space, and a consummate sound”. This trio has been around for some time now and consists of El’Zabar on percussion, tenor master Ari Brown, and features the first recorded collaboration/contribution of bassist Yosef Israel, replacing, with great aplomb, the late, great Malachi Favors, to whom much of this album is dedicated. Also featured is electric violinist, Billy Bang, a long time associate and life long friend of El’Zabar.
This is a beautifully recorded album, as will be readily apparent if played on a serious system…surround sound or headphones will have you turning your head to respond to the crowd.
Highly Recommended
Second, a favorite album from last year
Spiros Exaras World Jazz Ensemble – Phrygianics
This is a sextet that blends jazz with the exotic rhythms, melodies and instrument of Greece…A “Greek-jazz” band, if you will.
Comprised of Spiros Exaras on guitar, pianist Hery Hey, bassist Matt Garrison, drummer Gene Lake, percussionist/vocalist Arto Tuncboyaciyan, and clarinetist Lefteris Bournias. The album is almost hypnotic in it’s groove, mixing syncopated rhythms and jazz melodies.
“This album succeeds in achieving that special blend from modern to traditional, playful to somber and Eastern to Western, that so many musicians in the past have failed at”
Josh Kline Jazz Review
Highly Recommended
Both these albums require your involvement…that you open your mind to the music…and truly listen. If you become involved with this music, it works,,,if you are detached or distracted, you’ll wonder what’s going on?
Music is the healing force of the universe. Albert Ayler
Peace