Migrations
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
The saxophonist and composer Allison Au brings along plenty of help for these songs that explore why people move to new lands, and it makes eloquent use of words by the poets Emma LaRocque, Ruth Padel, Rae Marie Taylor, Duncan Mercredi, Chief Dan George, Langston Hughes and Wanda Coleman.
The rich ideas of the warm “Choice” opens the listen with articulate storytelling, animated strings and dreamy ideas, before Laila Biali’s playful scatting enters alongside Fabio Ranelli’s agile drumming and Au’s bright brass for the glorious “Prayer”.
The intimate sax and percussive ideas of “Aves Raras” lands in the middle and mesmerizes us with its soft melodies, while “Them” welcomes soothing wordless vocals amid the dense drums and glowing sax bouts of the album’s best.
Arriving near the end, “Migration” comes with soulful singing, stirring violin and Todd Pentney’s meticulous keys, and ‘I Dream A World” exits with absorbing cello from Amahl Arulanandam for the powerful and emotive finish.
In addition to Au’s inestimable playing, we’re treated to Michael Davidson’s well timed vibraphone, Jon Maharaj’s skilled bass and violins from Aline Homzy and Jeremy Potts. Together they make this 4th album from Au a highly memorable, chamber version of jazz.
Travels well with: Peripheral Vision- We’ve Got Nothing; Jesse Dietschi Trio- Gradient