You might happen to be a complete non-church going pagan and STILL get this holy roller.
Not a million miles away stylistically on the UK scene this year Sultan Stevenson is leading the way with another faith inspired concept – El Roi.
And from the US The Book of Isaiah sits well. An update on a Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting? Maybe not. But the Mingus tune of the same name a whole lot more raucous and dangerous nevertheless is in our thoughts.
Not that this joyous June release is too manicured or goodie goodie. It is rootsy and contains a certain fervour that’s compelling.
It’s more exuberant than the equally excellent El Roi which has a McCoy Tyner type flavour. And the sax playing is often scorchingly hot.
Inspired overall by Mary Lou Williams, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Mingus and Cannonball Adderley the track streaming so far ‘VIII. The Prophet’ is something of a chant and represents the ongoing African-American struggle for freedom and the believer’s journey to spiritual liberation.
Thompson has already in his career collaborated with Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Philly bass deity Christian McBride.
The great New Orleanian Herlin Riley – you’ll know him from Cassandra Wilson 2008 classic Loverly – plays a cameo role on tambourine on a few tracks.
And often in its best bits the album is a dialogue between piano and saxophone. The Book of Isaiah features tenor saxist Julian Lee, particularly blistering in the blessèd Gregory, Tivon Pennicott mould, on the swinging setting of ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. Bassist Marty Jaffe on rampaging form on ‘In the Temple’ is also among the personnel with drummer Miguel Russell, vocalist Vuyo Sotashe and Thompson’s wife, Kaitlin Obien-Thompson, a ministry director and worship singer, also in the cast of players.
Conceptually the upcoming album, a studio affair recorded at Sear Sound in New York last June, covers themes of faith, adversity, freedom and the search for meaning, aiming to highlight overlooked truths about the human relationship with God. There’s some incredible playing from Thompson all over the Cyrus Chestnut co-produced album and particularly on the storming ‘In the Temple (Spiritual Warfare).’
more from marlbank
Lorikeet, Woven, Babel ***1/2
English folk and some Americana and improv figure on Somerset band Lorikeet’s Woven.
Jarrod Lawson, Just Let it, Dome ***1/2
Laugh at Yourself stands out most, where Eric Roberson duets winningly.
Wynton Marsalis and Vince Giordano, The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong, Blue Engine **** recommended
Vibrant trad jazz intimations of Satch wail, smear and ache.
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