By Glenn Astarita

Kip Hanrahan’s staple has been to infuse Latin music, jazz, poetry and at times “free jazz” into his extensive vocabulary of modern music. A Bronx, New York native, this celebrated artist frequently revisits his urban roots while creating music that is often penetrating, rhythmically charged and refreshing. One of Hanrahan’s strengths is his ability to assemble musicians who represent diverse cultural backgrounds and mold a concept that typically expresses his artistic vision in buoyant and illustrious style. With the announcement that “Justin Time” records has entered an agreement with Hanrahan’s American Clave’ records we have cause for celebration with the reissue of two Hanrahan 1980’s classics along with two brand new releases.

Hanrahan’s critically acclaimed “Vertical Currency” and “Days and Nights of Blue Luck Inverted” were released in 1985 and 1988 respectively on American Clave records. “Vertical Currency” features long time Hanrahan band-mate and esteemed solo artist in his own right, Jack Bruce. Here, Bruce is striking mainly for his soulful and warm vocals on tracks such as “A Small Map of Heaven” and a tribute to the late great Cuban musician Mario Bauza titled “Shadow Song”. Bruce’s poignant and majestic falsetto exemplifies the spirit of Hanrahan’s astutely envisioned concepts of bridging Latin Music with modern jazz motifs and pastiche canvases. Several of Hanrahan’s long time associates including saxophonist David Murray, bassist Steve Swallow, percussionist’s Milton Cardona and Ignacio Berroa contribute with passion and finesse. “Days And Nights Of Blue Luck Inverted” received considerable praise upon its debut in 1988. Again, many of Hanrahan’s musicians of choice including Jack Bruce, saxophonist’s George Adams, David Murray, Charles Neville along with drummer Anton Fier, percussionist’s Jerry Gonzalez, Ignacio Berroa and the sultry vocals of Carmen Lundy add substantial charm and professionalism to this recording. On “Days And Nights Of Blue Luck Inverted the listener gains insight into Hanrahan’s passionate discourses of the human condition whether by song or lyric supported by an aggregate of musicians who seem acutely aware of his vision and aspirations. Here, the overall execution is impeccable while the compositions are melodically memorable and inventive. Hanrahan’s artistic talents lie within his ability to create lush, exuberant soundscapes, which parallel that of a movie director or an artist with paintbrush in hand.

Two new releases by Justin Time and American Clave’ affirm Hanrahan’s Bronx, New York roots which often echo the urban sounds of this diverse cultural borough of New York City. On “Deep Rumba” “The Night Becomes A Rumba” , Hanrahan along with a stellar cast of Cuban musicians from the New York City area render fierce, complex Latin drumming enhanced by lush and emotional vocalizing. As the press release indicates “each song is written by a different New York-based Latin poet and lyricist”. Jerry Gonzalez, Milton Cardona and Robby Ameen are a few of the many percussionists’ who spearhead this ambitious affair complete with scalding rhythms and modern invention. Deep Rumba is a highly energetic display of Latin rhythms that contains all the elements of Clave’ while accentuating the significance of this genre’s illustrious background yet sounding so fresh and contemporary. With “A Thousand Nights And A Night – Shadow Nights I” , Hanrahan continues his blend of jazz, Latin rhythmic structures and modern jazz with whispery, seductive vocals all based upon the collection of stories called “The Thousand Nights And A Night” as transcribed by Richard Francis Burton in the 1880’s. The stories are told by the legendary queen named Scheherazade who here, is represented by vocalist Jennifer Resnick with additional vocals by Carmen Lundy. As the press release states: “This is the second in a projected 10-volume series of recordings by Hanrahan inspired by the ancient Arabian Nights tales. Hanrahan embraces Arabian Nights folklore with modern day euphemisms and analogies witnessed through the dilemma of the central character Scheherazade. Complete with bawdy lyrics and lavish romanticism, Hanrahan sculpts vivid imagery with grand assistance from the late great pianist Don Pullen, bass player extroadinairre Steve Swallow, drummer J.T. Lewis, violinist Billy Bang, guitarist’s Brandon Ross and Eric Schenkman. An enclave of percussionist’s consisting of Andy Gonzalez, Robby Ameen pr

“A Thousand Nights And A Night” is an audacious and stimulating affair thanks to Hanrahan’s exquisite production and the flawless execution of these masterful musicians. Melodramatic, peppery and articulate, this may be Hanrahan’s crowning achievement which could be a bold statement considering his already impressive discography. Hanrahan’s artistic development continues to expand so here we get a snapshot of the past and a glimpse into the future. Kip Hanrahan’s worldly and highly artistic approach provides a road map for ongoing success. Most importantly, Hanrahan paints vivid portraits of life, love and reality without becoming self-absorbed or overbearing. Overall, his productions are generally accessible and entertaining while maintaining that perpetual touch of class.