Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » T.K. Blue: Another Blue

119

T.K. Blue: Another Blue

By

Sign in to view read count
T.K. Blue: Another Blue
Here’s a generous helping of flavorsome post–bop Jazz deliciously home–cooked by T. K. Blue (also known as Talib Kibwe, and as a conspicuously talented woodwind player, often with Randy Weston’s Spirit of Life Orchestra) and his enterprising companions. Group sizes range from duo to sextet with Blue (alto) and Weston duetting wonderfully on Dizzy’s “Night in Tunisia” and trumpet master Eddie Henderson augmenting Blue’s quartet on the impulsive finale, Miles Davis’ “Solar.” Blue plays alto on seven tracks, soprano on Wayne Shorter’s burner, “This Is for Albert,” soprano and flute on his own composition, “Pileau,” flute on Bud Powell’s “Hallucinations” and “It’s Really All About Love,” kalimba and alto on “Crossings.” Besides “Pileau,” Blue wrote “Evening Prayer,” “Another Blue,” “All About Love” and “Crossings.” Blue’s full–bodied alto resides in a contemporary Gary Bartz/Kenny Garrett/Jesse Davis precinct (but with its own dialect and shadings), while his nimble flute work is reminiscent of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Hubert Laws and other modernists. His compositions are consistently engaging, especially the Caribbean–based “Pileau.” Blue has chosen his sidemen with care, and each one plays an important role in helping him accomplish his purpose. Branker wrote the inspiring curtain–raiser, “Chant for Peace Eternal,” and plays flugel on that number and on “Evening Prayer” (which includes enchanting solos by Blue and trombonist Ferrel). Pianist Cochrane, bassist Hill and drummer Bufford form the rhythm section on those numbers, pianist Weidman (who arranged “You Go to My Head”), bassist Debriano and drummer Brooks on the others, and each one gives Blue ample support without intruding on his space. Aside from Blue’s deft improvisations, which sparkle throughout, the highlights include Weston’s and Henderson’s guest appearances, the persuasive charts and solid group interplay. A first–class session.

Track listing: Chant for Peace Eternal; This Is for Albert; Evening Prayer; Hallucinations; Another Blue; You Go to My Head; It’s Really All About Love; A Night in Tunisia; Crossings; Pileau; Solar (58:34).

Track Listing

Chant For Peace Eternal; This Is For Albert; Evening Prayer; Hallucinations; Another Blue; You Go To My Head; It’s Already All About Love; A Night In Tunisia; Crossings; Pileau; Solar.

Personnel

T. K. Blue; Saxophones, Flute, Kalimba: James Weidman; Piano: Santi DeBriano; Bass: Cecil Brooks III; Drums: Guillerme Franco; Percussion: Michael Cochrane; Piano: Calvin Hill; Bass: Greg Bufford; Drums: Tony Branker; Trumpet: Bob Ferrel; Trombone: Lenny Argese; Guitar

Special Guests: Onaje Allan Gumbs; Piano: Randy Weston; Piano: Eddie Henderson; Trumpet

Album information

Title: Another Blue | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Arkadia Records

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

Fiesta at Caroga
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective
Fellowship
David Gibson
Immense Blue
Olie Brice / Rachel Musson / Mark Sanders

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

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