Gratitude
International Anthem, 2024
9/10
The composer, arranger and alto saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi doesn’t disappoint on this debut album, where many guests are in attendance for 7 diverse and creative tracks.
“i” opens the listen with droning strings before Maria Chiara Argirò’s stirring keys and Kinoshi’s well timed sax enter the dramatic and lush climate, and “ii” follows with Patrick Gabriel-Boyle’s agile drumming that suits Shirley Tetteh’s dreamy guitar.
“iii sune through my window” arrives in the middle and benefits from strong attention to ambience amid Clare Bennett’s poetic flute and Alastair Penman’s rich clarinet, while “iv” focuses much on Konoshi’s flowing sax acrobatics and plenty of other brass, too, for a soaring jazz presence.
The final piece, “Smoke in the Sun”, might be the best, where Jack Banjo Courtney and Sheila Maurice-Grey’s animated trumpets and Hanna Mbuya’s memorable tuba complement the rhythm section, guitar and keys with meticulous texturing and warmth.
Perhaps jazz at its core, the electronic elements and orchestral bouts add much uniqueness to this well thought out record that speaks volumes in just 21 minutes.
Travels well with: Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti and Frank Rosaly- Mestizx; Orquesta Akokán- Caracoles