This album is a collection of spoken word and jazz on the theme of transformation, metamorphoses, big changes of all kinds, including the creation of life itself, the changes in the life of a transgender person, normal life after being in prison, changes for people of colour, the climate crisis. The readings are from the work of writers such as poet Ted Hughes.
The music illustrates the themes really well e.g. for creation we have ambient chords and twisting 'wiggly' piano sounds to portray creatures. Then people are born, to a self confident, slinky, brassy tune and a swinging sax solo.
The transgender son reads out a letter to his father and the father accepts the changes with a happy, lively, piece which gradually gains speed. A woman comes out of prison to join the crowds, and the music trots along in rhythm, fine trumpet playing, followed by an impressive drum solo of very varied tones.
The angry black man speaks to the accompaniment of clapping sounds and a strong groove. He forgives those who've insulted him to the sound of cool, smooth jazz with hints of Porgy And Bess. The two final tracks remind us of the climate crisis and problems with the ozone layer, but leave us quietly to hope for solutions.
If this all sounds a bit 'heavy', yes it is, but I thought it was forgivably so, saved by the quality of the music, which has a freewheeling improvised quality, and also by the importance of the themes. Some of the readings didn't quite gel for me, for instance the changes in Derek, a prejudiced white man didn't sound quite genuine, but generally speaking I found this an enjoyable listen, but perhaps not suitable for everyone.
The album is available from May 7, 2021, both as a CD and digitally, on the Tiger Turn label.
Ann Alex
Creation Part 1; Creation Part 11; Dear Dad/Letter; Dear Dad/Response; Preludes For Memnon; One Among Many; Rising Out Of Hatred; A Piece By The Angriest Black Man In America; Forgiveness; Wisdom Of The Humanities; Reaching The Tropopause
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