Lowcountry
Ropeadope, 2023
8/10
A very distinct version of jazz that surrounds cultural artifacts of southern folk oral histories and celebrations of Gullah culture, Lowcountry consists of Gracie Gadsen, Rosa Murray, Joseph Murray, Ron Daise, and is co-led by percussionist Quentin E. Baxter and composer/trumpeter Matt White, and they welcome many guests, too.
“Forgotten Moments” starts the listen off with Ron Daise’s narration that segues into “Welcome/Buzzard Lope”, where the vivid storytelling is met with Mark Sterbank’s bright tenor sax and Jerald Shynett’s soulful trombone for the frisky jazz setting.
Elsewhere, the gospel leanings of “Raise The Hymn” showcase Tim Fischer’s fluid guitar playing amid Baxter’s meticulous drumming, while “Were You There?” places Gadsen on vocals for the powerful anthem that builds into a groove filled album highlight that benefits much from Demetrius Doctor’s playful keys.
Close to the end, “Cheraw” bops and shakes with an infectious energy via Rodney Jordan’s agile bass and The Charleston Symphony String Quartet’s precise interaction, and “Come By Here” exits with a dreamy demeanor of sophisticated yet adventurous songwriting.
The Gullah are an African American ethnic group who take up residence in the Lowcountry portion of the U.S. (Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas), and they embrace southern folk ideas into these rich and cultured tracks that you can’t help but admire.
Travels well with: Claudia Acuña- Duo; Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah- Ancestral Recall