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Christian Scott: Anthem
Anything but predictable, Anthem opens with Scott's dramatic "Litany Against Fear." The track takes on the characteristics of a Sunday sermon, starting off with penetratingly introspective blue notes, rising to rebellious anger, and then ending with a moment of peaceful resolution. The percussive playing of pianist Aaron Parks, the muscular sound of drummer Marcus Gilmore, the resonant bass lines of Esperanza Spaulding, and the explosive riffs of guitarist Matt Stevens blend masterfully with Scott's brooding lyricism.
Very much like his idol, Miles Davis, Scott has a very laidback style, but as is the case with so many players from New Orleans, he definitely possesses the ability to swing. On the edgy "Re:," which features some dynamic drumming from Gilmore, Scott goes hard bop, slicing and dicing like pre-electric Donald Byrd and Freddie Hubbard. Elements of 1960s jazz can also be found on "Remains District." The song's sound is 21st century, yet Scott's angular playing and elliptical approach on the soprano trombone strongly suggests that he's studied the music and compositional style of Wayne Shorter. What Scott proves on "Remains District" is that one can embrace innovation yet still be a keeper of the tradition.
Anthem ends on a passionate note. A truncated version of the title track features Brother J of the rap group X-Clan. Brother J's fiery rhetoric detonates the aural landscape, as he registers his discontent with the state of affairs in New Orleans and the world. Not all hip-hop/jazz pairings work, but the closing track is a solid effort and a perfect ending to a strong release.
Last year, Christian Scott received a great deal of press, garnered a Grammy nomination, and built a diverse fan base. Definitely a step in the right direction, Anthem should not only bring Scott more fans, but solidify his status as one of the more promising young musicians and composers in the world of jazz.
Track Listing
Litany Against Fear; Void; Anthem (Antediluvian Adaptation); Re:; Cease Fire; Dialect; Remains Distant; The Uprising; Katrina's Eyes; The 9; Like That; Anthem (Post Diluvial Adaptation).
Personnel
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
trumpetChristian Scott: cornet (1, 2, 3, 12), trumpet (1, 4-6, 8-10), piano (4), flugelhorn (5, 11,), soprano trombone (7); Aaron Parks: piano (1-3, 6-10), synth bass(5, 6, 8,), Fender Rhodes (5, 9), synth (6, 8); Esperanza Spalding: bass (1, 4); Marcus Gilmore: drums; Matt Stevens: guitar (1-3, 5-12); Louis Fouche: straight alto saxophone (5, 6, 9-11); Luques Curtis: bass (2, 3, 6-12); Walter Smith III: tenor saxophone (7-9).
Album information
Title: Anthem | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Concord Music Group
Comments
About Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
Instrument: Trumpet
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