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Donald Edwards: Evolution Of An Influenced Mind
ByEvolution Of An Influenced Mind finds Edwards fronting and backing a fiery quintet of like-minded musicians on a program of original music; ten of the eleven pieces on the album are credited to the drummer, and "When" comes from the pen of the pianist on the datethe incomparable Orrin Evans. After hearing this material, it's hard to understand why Edwards hasn't occupied the driver's seat more often.
Edwards, Evans, and the rest of the castguitarist David Gilmore, tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, and bassist Eric Revisaren't known for pussyfooting around, and this music reflects each man's assuredness and strength(s). These qualities can be manifested in edgy post-modern scenarios ("History Of The Future"), frantic burners ("The Essental Passion"), measured swing, and mutable constructs. Tempos aren't always of the metronome-busting variety, yet things rarely feel relaxed here; Gilmore's tonal tweaks, Smith's sense of unpredictability, and the fantastic flights undertaken by each of these men see to that.
Strict time is occasionally dispensed with, as when Edwards marries his drums to chants ("American Drum Call To Mama"), or when the band visits spiritually-charged material that reaches for a higher plane ("When"), but rhythm remains Edwards' business. Mid-tempo swing fits him like a glove, laid-back funk futurism sounds just fine when he plays it ("Culmination For Now"), and aggressive environments suit him. Edwards may be selfless when he works for others, but this man has a strong sense of self that shines through on Evolution Of An Influenced Mind.
Track Listing
American Drum Call To Mama; History of the Future; Niecee; The Essential Passion; Dock's House; Nightmare of Fun; When; Culmination For Now; Not Really Gumbo; Truth or Consequence
Personnel
Donald Edwards
drumsDonald Edwards: Drums; Walter Smith III: Tenor Sax; David Gilmore: Guitar; Orrin Evans: Piano; Eric Revis: Bass
Album information
Title: Evolution Of An Influenced Mind | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Criss Cross