Home » Jazz Articles » Darren English: Imagine Nation

Darren English: Imagine Nation

By Mark Sullivan
May 9, 2016
Sign in to view read count

South African trumpeter Darren English (now living in Atlanta) makes an impressive debut on Imagine Nation, a mix of originals and standards. The album's centerpiece is formed by three compositions that are part of a suite paying tribute to freedom fighter Nelson Mandela. The title tune opens the album, an anthemic piece played by English with the core group of pianist Kenny Banks, bassist Billy Thornton, and drummer Chris Burroughs. English makes an immediate impression, as a composer and a bravura soloist, paired with a strong band. On the other two parts ("Pledge for Peace," which features quotes from a recorded interview with Mandela, and "The Birth") saxophonist Greg Tardy augments the group. "The Birth" is an especially impressive track, as it builds to a climax over almost 12 minutes, and includes a powerful solo from Tardy. Tardy also appears on the other English original, "Bullet In The Gunn," which pays tribute to English's mentor, trumpeter Russell Gunn.

The rest of the program is devoted to standards—and very commonly performed selections, at that—all impeccably performed, but fairly straight-ahead. "Body and Soul" begins with arco bass and English playing without a mouthpiece, which sets a late night mood. Vocalist Carmen Bradford is featured on "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" and "Skylark," both beautiful, spirited performances. "I've Never Been in Love Before" swings very effectively even with the drums sitting out. Bebop is well served by Dizzy Gillespie's "Bebop" and "Cherokee," a fast jam session staple which finds Gunn in the company of fellow trumpeters Russell Gunn and Joe Gransden's Big Band.

The set certainly demonstrates English's chops and versatility: he can clearly play effectively in a range of jazz contexts. It's a shame that the original material wasn't more of a focus. I would really like to hear the entire Mandela suite. And an album of all new tunes would better establish English's individual voice. It will be interesting to see what direction his sophomore recording will take.

Track Listing

Imagine Nation; Body And Soul; Bebop; What A Little Moonlight Can Do; Pledge For Peace; The Birth; Skylark; I've Never Been In Love Before; Bullet In The Gunn; Cherokee.

Personnel

Darren English: trumpet; Kenny Banks Jr.: piano; Billy Thornton: bass; Greg Tardy: tenor saxophone (5, 6, 9) Carmen Bradford: vocals (4, 7); Russell Gunn: trumpet (10); Joe Gransden: trumpet (10).

Album information

Title: Imagine Nation | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Hot Shoe Records

Post a comment about this album

FOR THE LOVE OF JAZZ

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.