Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Sam Newsome: Global Unity
Sam Newsome: Global Unity
ByAs the album's title suggests, the music produced here is a melding of influences from disparate cultures. Combining an all-originals program, instruments from around the world, and international players, Newsome creates a multicultural sound. He coaxes from his soprano a shakuhachi-like voice that conveys an East Asian melody on 'A Night in Indonesia'. Crossing to the other side of the globe on 'Into-Nation of Islam', Newsome's horn transforms into a snake charmers flute and with the support of dumbek evokes a Middle Eastern vibe.
While improvisation occurs on Global Unity, links to mainstream jazz remain tenuous. The leader places a higher premium on melodic and rhythmic development than on soloing over conventional chord changes. Music fans with broad tastes will find Sam Newsome's take on world beat rewarding; straight-ahead fans should temper their expectations.
Track Listing
When You See The Light; A Night In Indonesia; An Afrasian Occasion; The Wedding March Of A Playboy; Into-Nation Of Islam; Bongo Betty; the Sucker?s Game; Dance Of The Deli Lama; Dread Man Walking; When You Hide From Me
Personnel
Sam Newsome
saxophone, sopranoSam Newsome; soprano sax: Elisabeth Kontomanou; voice: Marvin Sewell; guitars: Jean-Michel Pilc; piano: Ugonna Okegwo; bass: Satoshi Takeishi; Japanese percussion: Gilad; percussion: Guest Artists: Mel Baker; electric bass: Matt Balitsaris; mandola, 12 strong guitar: Jeff Berman; vibes, percussion: Adam Carey; steel pan, percussion: Kahil Kwame Bell; kalimba: Meg Okura; violin
Album information
Title: Global Unity | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Palmetto Records
< Previous
Expositions of Freedom...Now!
Next >
Waterfall Cities
Comments
About Sam Newsome
Instrument: Saxophone, soprano
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar To