Alula: Captivity
Ropeadope, 2023
9/10
This first social justice listen from the saxophonist, juno player and vocalist Caroline Davis has the artist aligned with a few guests for electro-free pieces that pay tribute to 8 heroes who are still inspiring others from incarceration.
“[the day has come]” begins the listen with Val Jeanty’s samples and Chris Tordini’s bass prowess populating the powerful and progressive climate, and “burned believers (for Agnes and Huguette)” follows with Davis’ fluid alto sax amid Tyshawn Sorey’s well timed drums and light buzzing for a stylish delivery.
At the midpoint, “sychronize my body where my mind has always been (for Jalil Muntaqim)” blends free jazz nods with spacey sci-fi bouts, while “a way back to myself (for Keith Lamar)” moves with a calming intimacy of soulful sax and adventurous drumming alongside the well placed soundbites.
Near to the end, the busy and quick album highlight, “(i won’t be back, ms. Susan Burton)”, blends furious drumming with exploratory sax playing, and “put it on a poster (for Sandra Bland)” exits with a unique dreaminess that makes great use of Ben Hoffmann’s prophet 6, which adds much allure to the rich finish.
A body of work that provides insightful and artistic truths on the injustice present today, the jazz community has long championed the civil rights movement, and the experimental song craft from Davis certainly continues that tradition with much impact.
Travels well with: Lisa Marie Simmons- Notespeak 12; Claudio Acuna- Duo