| Jazz |
Keyboardist Lonnie Liston Smith has worked with Max Roach, Art Blakey, Gato Barbieri, Miles Davis, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. As always, Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad seek out lesser-known but remarkable artists, giving them a chance to step into the spotlight.
In this case, Lonnie Liston Smith leads his own jazz-funk group that continually explores new paths. Smith began recording as a sideman for heavyweights Miles Davis, Pharoah Sanders, Gato Barbieri, and Leon Thomas. He then formed his own group, Lonnie Liston Smith and the Cosmic Echoes, which produced an incredible series of classic albums in the 1970s. His music has served as the basis for immortal hip-hop samples and ecstatic dance parties. In late February 2020, Smith headlined Jazz Is Dead’s Black History Month series, offering many jazz fans their last live music experience before the COVID-19 nightmare took over in the following weeks.
This album is once again an exceptional album, a little treasure that is listened to with delight and respect, as behind all these talents lies an important part of 20th century music. The realization of this album is full of surprises, with very diverse and different moods from one track to another.
It’s hard to imagine that this is Jazz Is Dead’s 17th album, as each of their productions is so remarkable, and the enjoyment remains whole as the numbers continue to roll out. As always, this album is rooted in the 70s, as most of the artists in this series experienced their moment of glory during that time. It’s also interesting to see all the cultural sources that have incorporated jazz over time in this Jazz is Dead collection, as there is no musical style more expansive than jazz today, borrowing from world music, classical music (as is often the case in Europe), pop music, rock, and more. Not to mention its derivative, smooth jazz, which also has some incredible talents. This helps explain the success of Jazz Is Dead.
Returning to this album with Lonnie Liston Smith, know that the Paris-Move and Bayou Blue Radio editors recommend it in the “Indispensable” category.
Thierry De Clemensat
Correspondent in USA
Bayou Blue News – Bayou Blue Radio – Paris-Move
PARIS-MOVE, April 27th 2023
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