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Ahmed Abdullah's Dispersions of the Spirit of RA: Traveling the Spaceways
The recording features a series of re-workings and propulsions from people with the ability to take this material to newand appropriateheights. The title track builds graduallya triumphant, floating marvel, erupting into a cataclysmic celebration. These are moving, breathing works-in-progress by a forward-moving band. Take the timely "21'st Century Suite,"? a decades-old gem, which could've been written last week (or tomorrow!). Poet (and WBAI radio host) Louis Reyes Rivera adds a paean of human possibility. Reyes and vocalist/poet Monique Ngozi Nri complement the music and ride the rhythms masterfully. Abdullah's group presents the rich, elegant Raalmost Elingtonian in its warmthswinging exultantly.
Abdullah and Co. have that something extra: zeal. That's something that can't be faked. Take a tune like the boppish "Dancing Shadows"? and "Love in Outer Space."? Check Cody Moffett's tasty drumwork on the former, or Masujaa's guitar on the latter. Trombonist Craig Harris is paired with the truly stellar likes of violinist Billy Bang, Alex Harding (baritone) and Salim Washington (tenor).
This is music that conveys a deep sincerity. Bands like this one might well be able to keep not only Sun Ra's memorybut all that is good about jazzalive.
Track Listing
We travel the Spaceways; 21st Century part 1; 21st Century part 2; 21st Century part 3; Dancing Shadows; Love in Outerspace; Enlightenment; East of Uz; New Horizons; They Plan - dedicated to David Bake
Personnel
Ahmed Abdullah
trumpetAhmed Abdullah, trumpet, vocals; Billy Bang, violin; Craig Harris, trombone; Salim Washington, tenor sax; Alex Harding, baritone sax; Owuor Arunga, trumpet; Masujaa, guitar; Radu Oluwu Ben Judah, bass Cody Moffett, drums; Monique Ngozi Nri, vocals, poetry; Miles Griffith, vocals; Louis Reyes Rivera, poetry
Album information
Title: Traveling the Spaceways | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Planet Arts Records
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