Positive Knowledge: Invisible Wisdom (2007)

Marc Medwin

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2006

Recent articles (85 total)

Published: June 15, 2007

The duo of Oluyemi and Ijeoma Thomas continues to be a potent one on this, the long-running Positive Knowledge collaboration's release Invisible Wisdom. Recorded live at 2005's Vision Festival, it's a widely varied and ultimately rewarding set where the only problem is a slightly distant recording.

That understood, the music is some of the most visceral and exciting the group has committed to tape. Audience presence is doubtless a factor in giving the group the extra edge and every member of the group seems to be feeling it. Kidd Jordan plays like a man half his age and the duo of bassist Harrison Bankhead and drummer Michael Wimberley provide all manner of support, crushing when necessary, sublime and sensitive when required. "Vision Me presents all facets of the group interplay in tiny but intense cycles, racing from pregnant space around Ijeoma's words to blindingly intense scree and squall within seconds.

The importance of Bankhead and Wimberley's contributions cannot be overstated; they are largely responsible for making the set what it is, the finest Positive Knowledge disc to date, driving even the resourceful Oluyemi to new heights of expression and creativity. This is a fine group, running on all cylinders, delivering a blistering set of classic "New Thing to an appreciative crowd.

Record Label: Charles Lester Music
Style: Modern Jazz