Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Rick Waldron: Africa

4

Rick Waldron: Africa

By

Sign in to view read count
Rick Waldron: Africa
Even before a single note of Africa hits the air, the long list of instruments played by leader/composer Rick Waldron suggests that something unusual is afoot. For his fourth CD Waldron, who has chaired the music department at Everett Community College since 1990, has created a lively and intricate session that defies easy description.

There's reason to expect some traditional jazz, given that Waldron earned a Master's degree in composition from North Texas State, one of the best jazz schools in the world; also, one of the two covers here is "Autumn Leaves," which becomes a playful, inverted bebop romp with a swinging bass solo and a surprise ending. Another jazz signpost is the participation of his daughter Anne Drummond, the wonderful flutist whose busy career includes recording with legendary pianist Kenny Barron.

But, as someone recently reminded me, categorizing music is more important for critics than musicians. And so Waldron, when asked, took a moment to come up with a possible description ("contemporary jazz, I guess -?"). He was more inclined to talk about influences than labels, which would include movie scores, the harmonies of Steely Dan, Chick Corea and Joe Zawinul, and Bobby McFerrin's vocal group work (see, for instance, his 2010 EmArcy release, "VOCAbuLarieS"). Africa also includes a lyrical, Keith Jarrett-ish piano solo ("Con Moto") as well as an inventive take on the vintage David Crosby rocker hit, "Triad."

Africa offers a bounty of infectious and pensive music, all of it thoughtful and masterfully executed. It's the perfect antidote to a bitter winter that won't go away, as well as a fine soundtrack for dancing on a warm beach. In fact, there's no season that can't be enhanced by this kind of musical joy —however you choose to categorize it.

Track Listing

On the Dunes; Africa; Corner of the Universe; Bway Up; Goodbye; Triad; Con Moto; In the Night; Autumn Leaves; Runnin’.

Personnel

Rick Waldron: acoustic and electric guitars, basses, keyboards, synths, glockenspiel, melodica, trombone, hand percussion, mandolin, banjo; Anne Drummond: soprano and alto flutes; Alexey Nikolaev: tenor and soprano saxophones; Ken French: drums; David Solomon: congas, percussion; Chaz Hastings: tablas; Rick Waldron, Jill Waldron, Jen Dunton, Bev Dunton, Nel Krueger, John Kenning, Erin McGaughan, Larry Murante: vocals.

Album information

Title: Africa | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Waldron Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.