Search - Ernest Dawkins' New Horizons Ensemble :: Mean Ameen

Swinging boldly in the face of great loss

Troy Collins | Lancaster, PA United States | 10/12/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As tribute to the late trumpet player Ameen Muhammad, saxophonist Ernest Dawkins decided to memorialize his former colleague with a passionate tribute. Rather than recording a morose collection of ballads and dirges, he honors his ebullient spirit with a release full of vim and vigor. Filled with the sort of up-tempo free-bop that the New Horizon's ensemble is known for, "Mean Ameen" pulls no punches. With only one quiet ballad and a short AACM styled excursion, "Mean Ameen" ranks as one of Dawkin's most lively releases.



With their line-up of saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass and drums the group stretches out on a half dozen tunes encompassing modal African inspired grooves, explosive free-bop as well as atmospheric exploratory fare. New trumpet player Maurice Brown more than holds his own as the rest of the group delivers performances notable in their fervor. Tributes to fellow artists such as Art Blakey, "The Messenger" and fellow Chicagoan guitarist Jeff Parker, "Jeff to the Left" round out the album.



The ensemble's taut interplay is best exemplified by the closing track, dedicated to fellow Chicago based saxophonist Ed Wilkerson, "Buster and the Search for the Human Genome." A slowly building riff gradually accelerates until it reaches a breaking point and jumps headlong into manic free-bop swing. The solos here are intense, frenzied even. But the nature of the piece requires that it switch back and forth Mingus-like between fast and slow rhythmic sections complete with accompanying dense and/or sparse solo spots. All marks are hit on a dime by the ensemble.



Finally achieving some wider state-side exposure courtesy of Delmark's ever growing catalog of new Chicago jazz, the New Horizons ensemble is required listening for fans of other post-bop inspired AACM groups like 8 Bold Souls, The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and even fans of Chicago's favorite son ... Ken Vandermark."