Home » Jazz Articles » Multiple Reviews » Wadada Leo Smith: Lake Biwa and Snakish

412

Wadada Leo Smith: Lake Biwa and Snakish

By

Sign in to view read count








Wadada Leo Smith
Lake Biwa
Tzadik
2004


Wadada Leo Smith
Snakish
Leo
2005


The only thing that's really predictable about trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith is that, whatever he takes on, he'll pull it off. From the more traditional Golden Quartet to his duos with Anthony Braxton, to Rasta and Sufi inflections to the Miles Davis reperatory group he co-leads with Henry Kaiser, Smith's projects are never half-realized.



No small thanks are due to Tzadik for letting Smith the composer also be realized. Lake Biwa is Smith's sixth disc for the label's "Composer Series" and may be the most impressive of the lot. His Silver Orchestra is not just impressive in its lineup (including Erik Friedlander on cello, Marc Ribot on guitar, John Zorn on sax, Anthony Coleman on piano and Susie Ibarra on percussion, among others), but in the way he uses them. Over four pieces ranging from 10 to 25 minutes, the ensemble truly is an orchestra. When called upon to step forward, the voices of Ribot and Zorn especially are unmistakable. But the rest of the time, the group breathes together like an orchestra rather than a session group reading charts. The compositions themselves are both serious and exciting and violinist Jennifer Choi (a regular performer of Zorn's compositions) especially shines.



Snakish is a very different affair, following a couple of interests (poetry, electronics, spiritual belief) Smith has pursued in the past. With Miroslav Tadic's remarkable guitar playing and Mark Nauseef's inventive drumming, it's a subdued, unusual recording, challenging and satisfying. Only two of the 14 tracks break the five-minute mark, but the feeling isn't so much of short sketches as drifting in and out, a suite with moments of silence. Nothing, not even the vocals or electronics, dominate - it's almost like aural incense, filling the room without demanding attention. It's a strange mix of elements, but ultimately one of the most satisfying in Smith's catalogue.


Tracks and Personnel

Lake Biwa

Tracks: Lake Biwa; A Fullmoon Purewater Gold; Sanai's Enclosed Garden Of the Truth; Diamondback Serpent In A House Full of Water and Still Rising; Africana World.

Personnel: Wadada Leo Smith: Trumpet; Wes Brown: Bass; Jennifer Choi: Violin; Anthony Coleman: Piano; Erik Friedlander: Cello; Susie Ibarra: Drums; John Lindberg: Bass; Marc Ribot: Guitar; Marcus Rojas: Tuba; Jamie Saft: Piano; Craig Taborn: Piano; John Zorn: Alto Sax; Gerald Cleaver: Drums; Yuko Fujiyama: Piano; Kwaku Kwaakye Obeng: Drums.

Snakish

Tracks:

Personnel: Wadada Leo Smith; trumpet; Walter Quintus: computer & processing; Katya Quintus: voice; Miroslav Tadic: classical & baritone guitar; and Mark Nauseef: percussion & live electronics.

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter 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.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.