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Eric Wyatt: A Song of Hope
ByWhile there are occasional glimpses of Rollins (and Coltrane) in Wyatt's broad-shouldered tenor, for the most part it is strictly Wyatt, blowing with awareness and enthusiasm on every number. That is to say, almost every number, as he plays soprano on "Fragile" whose oracular lyric (by Sting) no doubt conveys a profound message to today's younger listeners. Joy sings well there and adds an earnest wordless vocal on the plaintive "Say Her Name" (written by Wyatt as an homage to police shooting victim Breonna Taylor). Wyatt shines brightest on the burners ("Blues for RH," "One 4 Hakim," "Sunset Park Bonita," "Contemplation") whose rapid tempos land squarely in his strike zone. Trumpeter Chris Lowery, who wrote the rhythmic "Fur Live," solos sharply on "Sunset Park Bonita," "Central Park West" and "Contemplation," as does trumpeter Theo Croker on "Blues for RH" (Roy Hargrove) and "One 4 Hakim."
The session opens with the buoyant "Song of Hope," played by the core quartet, before moving on to "Fragile," "Blues for RH" and "Fur Live." Wyatt's alluring "Chance," performed by the quartet and percussionist Kahlil Qwame Bell, has Coltrane-like overtones and a tasteful extended solo by Vega. Wyatt and Watts ace the duets, one of which ("Tain Dance") lasts for a scant thirty-two seconds. The other, "Of Things to Come RTK," closes the album. Watts is virtuosic, as he is elsewhere, while Wyatt shows his Rollins influence. In all, A Song of Hope embraces a dozen songs covering seventy-two minutes, not many of which are less than engaging. A solid sophomore valedictory by Wyatt and his companions.
Track Listing
A Song of Hope; Fragile; Blues for RH (Roy Hargrove); Fur Live; Chance; One 4 Hakim; Say Her Name; Tain Dance; Sunset Park Bonita; Central Park West; Contemplation; Of Things to Come RTK. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-13118290
Personnel
Eric Wyatt
saxophoneTheo Croker
trumpetChris Lowery
trumpetClifton Anderson
tromboneDonald Vega
pianoEric Wheeler
bassJeff Tain Watts
drumsMekhi Boone
drumsMike Boone
bassKahlil Qwame Bell
percussionSamara Joy
vocalsAlbum information
Title: A Song of Hope | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Whaling City Sound