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Bluiett/Jackson/Thiam: Join Us

By AAJ Staff
July 1, 2000
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The intersection of the musical worlds of Hamiet Bluiett, D.D. Jackson, and Mor Thiam spans decades of musical tradition and continents of cultural history. The second recording by this group on Justin Time was recorded in late '98 in New York City, live in the studio. Bluiett, a founding member of the World Saxophone quartet, articulates the most "forward" voice on the record. Bluiett's maturity is demonstrated through relatively sparse playing and extensive use of groovy riffs to accompany the musical explorations of Jackson and Thiam. Keyboardist Jackson, from the school of Don Pullen, is equally at home on piano and organ, ranging from gospel-influenced riffs to calypso grooves to all-out modern jazz.

The cornerstone of the group, Senegalese percussionist Thiam, takes the sound of BJT to a completely different level, giving new meaning to the word Afro-American. His chanting and free-form drum improvisations fit amazingly well into the overall bluesy feel of the record. Thus the sound of BJT is totally unique, unlike anything you've ever heard. While often affecting a carefree forward-looking ease, the trio occasionally pauses for moments of pensive contemplation (e.g. the Jackson composition "Ayse") as well as solo improvisations with density and depth.

Track Listing

Papa, Ayse, Is There A Problem?, Drum Millenium, A Little Calypso, Pentium II Blues, My Mother, One Night, LXO, Join Us/Get Happy.

Personnel

Bluiett

Hamiet Bluiett: baritone saxophone, wood flute, contra-alto clarinet, speaking voice; D.D. Jackson: acoustic piano, keyboard bass, synth, organ; Mor Thiam: djembe, vocals.

Album information

Title: Join Us | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Justin Time Records

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