Connected Vol. 1
Richman, 2023
8/10
The bassist Richie Goods and vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu come together here in the name of love and peace, as they address the unwarranted violen against African Americans and the Asian community in these troubled times.
“Water” opens the listen with Lil John Roberts’ proficient drums alongside the dreamy vibes and skilled bass lines in the very energetic climate, and “Treasure Mountain” follows with Brett Williams’ moody keys adding much atmosphere to the very colorful and textured delivery.
Halfway through, “Rain” benefits much from Danny Sadownick’s well timed percussion amid the pretty vibes and strategic upright bass as much beauty unfolds, while “Rain Interlude” places Lu on vocals and Goods on upright bass for the bare but impactful landscape.
Advancing near the end, “Someday We’ll All Be Free” welcomes Jamison Ross’ pipes to complement Shedrick Mitchell’s well timed organ and Quintin Zoto’s precise guitar, and “Someday Interlude” takes this lead with Dr. Alophus Lacey’s powerful spoken word making an indelible impression.
A very ambitious body of work that was born during the pandemic quarantine, the pair’s inestimable talents are front and center across this harmonic, dynamic and extremely thought provoking jazz listen.
Travels well with: Marcus Strickland Twi-Life- People Of The Sun; Ron Carter- Skyline