Four Questions
Zoho, 2020
8/10
A Grammy Award winning pianist and composer, Arturo O’Farrill returns with The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra for his first release of all original arrangements. A listen with an empowering message for the current times, O’Farrill’s piano work is nothing short of stunning here, and an appearance by Dr. Cornel West only adds to the urgency of the release.
“Baby Jack” starts the listen with 7 minutes of bright and creative interplay between the horns, where tense cinematic moments collide with soaring beauty, and “Jazz Twins” follows with a moody intro that benefits from piano as subdued brass enters the mysterious setting.
Further on, “Clump, Unclump” uses percussion strategically as french horns dance around the frisky instrumentation, while “Amidst The Fire And Whirlwind” brings in angelic vocals into a choir like delivery.
At the end, “Cacophonus” delivers one of the most adventurous tunes where energetic and atypical rhythm guides the jazz explosion, and “A Still, Small Voice” exits the listen operatic, where the contrast of booming vocals matches complements the meticulous sounds.
With the 18 piece Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra providing esteemed musicianship and Dr. West’s commentary on the 16 minute title track that takes inspiration from the civil right activist and author W.E.B. DuBois, O’Farrill has crafted one of the most entertaining and socially important jazz records of 2020.
Travels well with: Negroni’s Trio- Acustico; The Diva Jazz Orchestra- Diva + The Boys