Highly recommended
07/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Exceptional live recording of this concert performance at the Chopin Theatre in September of 1997, by the Pulitzer Prize winning poet, Komunyakaa and the under-recognized legend of the jazz avant garde, reedman Tchicai. Joining them are the wonderful, recently departed bassist Fred Hopkins, guitarist Jeff Parker, baritone sax player Aaron Getsug, Benita Haastrup on drums, small percussion and glockenspiel and Margriet Naber-Tchicai on keyboards.This disc is a wonderful marriage of various intruments, including the voice. The success rate of spoken word/poetry with jazz has not been high...this disc is an exception. A key is that the musicians not only recognize Komunyakaa's poetic genius, but also recognize him as another instrumentalist by the other musicians. The interplay is successful, as a group of musicians, playing together for the first time, blend in as long-time friends. A relaxed, cohesive interplay permeates the performance.The instrumental-only cuts are, as expected, equally successful due to Tchicai's long-time commitment to playing with a diverse range of musicians. Moreover, regardless of the age or sex of the players, a respect of the music and each player's talents lends itself to a great group interaction.Hopkins, long-time member of the AACM, had recently left the dog-eat-dog world of New York to return to his home, Chicago. He has rarely been in finer voice. Parker, known up to this time for his work with some of the finer alternative rock bands, shows why he has chosen to concentrate more on his improvisatory playing. Haastrup and Naber-Tchicai add a sensitivity to the overall performance on their instruments. Getsug, now a student at Berklee, is a revelation on baritone sax.A special note on the quality of the live recording by Timothy Powell. It is a keeper.Given the appropriate attention, this recording will reward repeated listenings and should be recognized as the exceptional meeting of two exceptional artists, supported by a commensurate quality grouping of additional artists."
Passionate and daring
07/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tchichai and Koumanyakka, both artists of passion and stature, treat collaboration as the respecful medium it can be if the artists are talented and generous as well. The disc is powerful and intense; both musically and poetically. This new jazz label is one to watch. If it keeps attracting underappreciated, superb artists such as those on this disc, these jazz recordings will become "must have" for collectors like myself. JR Cavanaugh"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1