Folk Songs, Jazz Journeys
Pajarito Verde, 2021
8/10
Listen to Folk Songs, Jazz Journeys
Certainly a worldly artist, Alex Martin brings us jazz arrangements of melodies that stem from folk traditions on this 3rd album, and it’s in a formula he very accurately calls ‘New World Jazz”.
“Postal de Bata” starts the listen with Martin’s sublime guitar work alongside Keith Butler Jr.’s skilled drumming and Uasuf Gueye’s balafon prowess on the playful Latin opener, and “Wayfaring Stranger” follows with a dreamy quality as Maya Rogers mesmerizes us with her romantic and expressive singing.
Further down the line, “Viceversa” brings all sorts of lovely culture into the rhythmic album highlight, while “Asa Branca” benefits much from Elin Melgarejo’s breezy vocal scatting and Ethan Foote’s clever bass work. “Le temps de cerises”, another exceptional track, then displays Lynn Véonneau’s gorgeous pipes amid a poetic climate.
Close to the end, “Laridé” showcases Martin’s meticulous guitar playing as Gaby Kerdoncuff’s soulful trumpet adds much to the creative atmosphere, and “Estamos aquí para colaborar” exits the listen with Martin’s guitar, Foote’s bass and Butler Jr.’s drums interacting with much depth and attention to detail.
Martin’s got a dozen of D.C.’s finest musicians on hand, and together they cultivate a very global feel to a journey that we’re all better off for being included on, as he navigates through Brazilian ideas, West African nods, Celtic European sensibilities and Appalachia inspired moments.
Travels well with: Kristin Callahan- Lost In A Dream; Jenny Davis- Rearranged