Let Us Break Bread Together
Smallshouse, 2022
8/10
Listen to Let Us Break Bread Together
A culinary artist and singer, Alexander Smalls honors the cultural background and meticulous traditions of the African American Spiritual, and he’s got Ulysses Owens Jr. on drums, percussion and co-producing duties, plus many guests for the creative and authentic listen.
“Wade In The Water” starts the listen with soft bass as Smalls’ expressive, deep vocals enter alongside Cyrus Chestnut’s well timed piano, and “St. Thomas” follows with Kevin Hayes behind the piano and John Ellis handling sax on the lively jazz delivery.
Closer to the middle, the graceful keys from Joseph Joubert illuminate Smalls’ powerful and stirring delivery on the title track, while “God Bless This Child” showcases John Ellis on bass clarinet alongside Ben Williams’ skilled bass in the dreamy album highlight.
Approaching the end, “Rent Party” moves quicker with playful piano from Chestnut in timeless, jazz friendly ways, and “Alexander’s Mood” continues this friskiness with Joubert on keys and Smalls contributing spoken word for the very distinct and memorable finish.
Smalls has a background as an opera singer, and his commanding pipes certainly complement the rich melodies and emotive yet adventurous songs on this very well executed album.
Travels well with: Somi- Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba; The Christiane Karam Quartet- Nar