Renee Rosnes: Life On Earth (2002)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: February 1, 2002

With chants and drumbeats from around the world, Renee Rosnes has applied a theme to her latest album by integrating mainstream jazz with creative international elements. Regional characteristics from specific areas of Asia, Africa, North and South America are clearly distinguishable, while the unifying thread of her original piano counterpoint ties them together. Seven of the nine compositions are originals. Medieval Spain colors the landscape through Manuel de Falla's "Nana," while Fran Landesman's "Ballad of the Sad Young Men" serves several masters. What kind of world would we have without the ballad? Rosnes' "Hanuman," featuring Chris Potter on tenor, pays homage to Joe Henderson. Life On Earth combines universal elements: things familiar the world over. The pianist's use of a small, contemporary string ensemble, a clarion trombone choir, marimba, and a wide array of percussion instruments serves her multi-cultural audience. As one of the top jazz pianists on today's scene, Rosnes delivers a double-whammy: her swinging piano magic and her creative compositions.

Track Listing: Empress Afternoon; Senegal Son; Ballad of the Sad Young Men; Icelight; Gabriola Passage; The Quiet Earth; Hanuman; Nana; The Call of Triton.

Personnel: Renee Rosnes- piano; Christian McBride, John Patitucci- bass; Billy Drummond, Jeff

Record Label: Blue Note Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream