Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Bluiett/Jackson/Thiam: Join Us

Bluiett/Jackson/Thiam: Join Us

By AAJ Staff
July 1, 2000
Sign in to view read count

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

< Previous
A Chat With Eric Alexander

Next >
Meet Carla Bley

Comments

About Bluiett

Tags

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.

You Can 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.