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Shakti
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Barnes and Noble
Shakti
Current price: $15.99
Barnes and Noble
Shakti
Current price: $15.99
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When
plays his distinctive tenor saxophone, one cannot help but think he is a direct disciple of
,
, and
. His edgy, dour, and dynamic sound retains a verve, control, and balance that many free improvisers cannot claim. This effort is inspired by the same spiritual precepts from India that inspired
in his later life, resulting in long drawn-out discourses that emphasize expressionism rather than pure melodic invention. Fans of this style expect nothing less, and when teamed with Top Five bassist
, the veteran drummer
, and the always innovative and diffusely rendered guitar of
is able to cut loose whenever he feels the need, which is generally always. The opening
goes from a brief blues swing to furious free bop, accented by the ever growing persona of
as a uniquely driven guitar master. Even at 18-plus minutes,
keeps an even pace and controlled tone, neither crossing an abstract nor distorted line.
's deft ostinato in 6/8 time gets the ball rolling, while
and
construct numerous call-and-response clips of chatty vocal-like sounds. Everyone gets a substantial solo, with
at the top of his game and
using his bowed bass to haunting effect. The three-part suite
develops from clarion calls to arms, switching from short melody bursts to solo tenor, silence, and a hard bop coda. The most arresting jazz-oriented piece,
is based on a precept perfected by
in its approximate note unison from
, leading to hard free bop. One changeup includes the ballad
where
's fluid dynamics and terse but not abrasive style are showcased fully, with
entering later. The other --
-- is perhaps the most multiethnic piece, as
plays the mbira/kalimba/thumb piano aside
's bowed harmonic overtures, darting and dancing, or calmly meditative. Those who enjoy the music of
can easily relate to this excellent recording of his new music concept, backed by equally extraordinary players who perfectly understand his vision and purpose. ~ Michael G. Nastos