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Longineu Parsons: 25th Anniversary Work Song
ByThe liner notes state: "It might be fun to convince you, the reader, that this album appeared mysteriously from the future to point the way to a benign and beautiful evolution of the soul-jazz idiom. These tracks would confirm that impression and you just might begin to wonder after a whiledid this really come from the future?
"But that's not the professional thing to do, so back we go to the truth. As contemporary and current as this album sounds, it is a 25th anniversary reissue. Two categories of musician joined Longineu here: virtuosos and legends, Nat Adderley Sr. and Sam Rivers are in the second category. Longineu's sound and musical concepts set the ambience and range over a strong and expressive ensemble.
"Sam Rivers exchanges solos with Parsons on three tracks and Nat Adderley reprises "One for Daddy-O." Longineu and the band present four other standards and six of Longineu's compositions. Welcome to an album where a hip and soulful past meets a wide-open future!"
Then, in small print: "Previously released by TCB Records in 1994."
The notes quote Nat Adderley as saying: "I have listened to Longineu for more than twenty years and I've seen him survive while continuing to grow professionally with consistency all the time. He never allows his knowledge of his instrumentthe trumpetto interfere with his commitment to creativity and plain old swing... I suggest you listen closely to Longineumy personal favorite unsung artist."
Make what you will of all this: it makes for a fascinating listen. Longineu growls his way impressively through the title track, ably supported by Rivers. This is followed by "Search for the New Land," "Party in Morocco" and "Song for Dr. Drew," all taken at a merciless pace, before things settle down a little for the soulful "Passing Moment."
There's a very nice version of "My Funny Valentine" before the session winds up with "The Gathering," a rip-roaring Afro-Cuban piece.
A great album, no matter where it came from, past, present or future.
Track Listing
Work Song; Search for the New Land; Party in Morocco; Song for Dr. Drew; Passing Moment; Soyuz Dance; One for Daddy-O; Spaced Part II; Lost in the Black Forest; My Funny Valentine; The Gathering.
Personnel
Longineu Parsons
trumpetLongineu Parsons: trumpet, flugelhorn, recorders and percussion; Sam Rivers: tenor saxophone; Nat Adderley: cornet; Kevin Bales: piano; Lawrence Buckner: bass; Von Barlow, Bente Fischer: drums; Adelwole O’Kulu Mele: percussion.
Album information
Title: 25th Anniversary Work Song | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Tribal Records
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About Longineu Parsons
Instrument: Trumpet
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