Search - Muhal Richard Abrams :: Afrisong

Unexpectedly lyrical gem

M. Neustadt | Baltimore, MD United States | 01/12/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It is not uncommon in jazz for pianists who are big-band leaders to be overlooked for their playing. This was certainly the case for Duke Ellington. And you'd have to add Muhal Richard Abrahms to that category. He is known for his key role in founding the AACM and directing the AACM orchestra that would meet on Monday nights in Chicago the 1970s. Virtually all the great Chicago avant garde musicians passed through that band. If you know Abrams from his role in the AACM, or from his band records, this record will totally surprise you. There is virtually no atonality in his playing at all. To describe it, I'd say it is closest to the lyrical playing of Keith Jarrett from the same period. But Muhal Richard Abrahms is definitely his own man. In a nutshell, this is a gorgeous album. If you like lyrical, flowing jazz that washes over you with rivers of sound, get this album. It is propulsive and challenging but also very easy on the ears. Stunning. It is an obscure gem from a truly great musician."