| Jazz |
The bassist Scott Petito presents his new album, Many Words, a gathering of stars contributing to a magnificent album that deserved a more explicit cover. The group includes Bob Mintzer, vibraphonist Mike Mainieri, trumpeter Randy Brecker, drummers Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine, and Omar Hakim, percussionists Mino Cinelu and Bashiri Johnson, pianists Rachel Z Hakim and Kevin Hays, bassist Larry Grenadier, and singer Anna Maria Jopek.
With over a hundred collaborations and credited on over a thousand albums, this album was created in 2020 during the pandemic and remotely. I believe that many albums created during this period will continue to be released over the years. The creative boost during this “otarie” period (seal, possibly referring to the lockdown) is evident, and albums like this one, conceived during that time, showcase great richness. The presence of extraordinary musicians makes it a feast of choice!
Mino Cinelu, who has been present on hundreds of albums for a long time, is remarkable here, along with other artists. The particularly rich compositions of Scott Petito and the high-quality arrangements make this album radiant. It starts with the beautiful voice of Anna Maria Jopek, known for her improvisational skills, shining on the first track and enticing attentive listening.
Having worked as a bassist on productions with jazz legends, this album naturally benefits from that experience. A somewhat mystical side takes hold of the compositions at times, nature is present everywhere. “Many Worlds” is like a tree of life, undoubtedly swayed by more or less violent winds. Scott Petito’s universe is questioning, with musical propositions that are sometimes far from obvious but will delight enthusiasts of complex and deconstructive jazz—a bit radical, just the way we like it.
As is often the case, it’s upon multiple listens that the quality of an album like this becomes evident. One intensely feels the musical propositions and the magic of the arrangements on an album that could become timeless due to its luminous spirit. Bayou Blue Radio and Paris-Move have instinctively placed this album on the stack of “Essentials,” even though we’re just at the beginning of 2024, and the stack is already well-filled.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, January 16th 2024
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