Christian Scott needs no formal introduction. At the age of 33 he has already made a tremendous impact in the world of jazz. He blows hard, yet transforms brass to gold confusing metallurgists.
Some might say he is the modern-day alchemist of jazz; which is good as we have high expectations when it comes to modern day music in terms of quality and how the album is produced.
"If you are expecting a jazz standard you may be disappointed. If you are expecting smooth jazz you may be disappointed. If you are expecting something fresh you will not be disappointed."
The selection on this album is varied and Scott is constantly changing the status quo with precision timing. Scott brings out the best in other artists featured on this album adding a kaleidoscopic dimension to the growing styles and sub-genres of jazz. There are some new and established artists featured in each of the precious-gold tracks.
The title track Diaspora features young Berkley flautist Elena Pinderhughes. The beat of this track has a light hip-hop feel with Scott and Pinderhughes harmonising effortlessly. Whilst IDK's hip hop down-tempo track features simple drums patterns and use of electronica.
Our Lady of New Orleans takes the album up tempo with a calypso beat and a soothing flute solo. Keeping the album exciting and interesting with balanced electronic effects that re-enforces the modern hip-hop style used on the BAE (interlude). This groove reminds me of the Robert Glasper Experiment, although two minutes is not long enough for any discerning listener.
Desire and Burning Girl and New Jack Bounce (Interlude) use the same 808 bass. The genius is in its simplicity with one track featuring a Balearic trumpet, whilst the other unleashes the percussive skills of Weedie Brimah and Cheif Shaka Shaka. I did not think it was possible to strike percussion instruments that quick!
Uncrown Her is my favourite track of the album in terms of groove, depth and production quality. There is something about this ballad that provides a calming aurora, even for the most extreme personality. Again, Corey Fonville delivers one of the steadiest syncopated drum grooves in modern jazz. His timing in Lawless is flawless and measured by the atomic clock in terms of accuracy from start to the fading finish. I would have liked to hear more of Fonville's talent. The Walk features incredible vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles. This hypnotic ballad is a fitting end to the collective tracks of this incredible album
I must admit, this album took some with adjusting as it breaks many of the traditional production rules you would expect form a modern-day jazz artist. However, it is now firmly seated in the jazz collection booming out across all speakers for all to enjoy.
Credits:
Christian Scott - Trumpet Siren, Sirenette, Reverse Flugehorn
Elena Pinderhughes - Flute
Braxton Cook - Alto Saxophone
Lawrence Fields - Piano , Fender Rhodes
Kriss Funn - Bass
Cliff Hines - Guitar
Corey Fonville - Drums
Joe Dyson Jr - Pan African Drums, SPD-SX
Weedie Brimah - Djembe, Bata, Conga
Cheif Shaka Shaka - Dununba, Sangban, Kenikeni
Sarah Elizabeth Charles - Vocals
Label: Ropeadope
