Global Unity

As 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; straightahead fans should temper their expectations.

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Sam Newsome at All About Jazz.

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 - soprano sax; Elisabeth Kontomanou � voice; Marvin Sewell � guitars; Jean-Michel Pilc � piano; Ugonna Okegwo � bass; Satoshi Takeishi � Japanese percussion; Gilad � percussion; Mel Baker � electric bass; Matt Balitsaris � mandola, 12 string guitar; Jeff Berman � vibes, percussion; Adam Cruz � steel pan, percussion; Kahlil Kwame Bell � kalimba; Meg Okura - violin