Wadada Leo Smith & Louis Moholo-Moholo – Ancestors – Tum

by | Jan 11, 2013 | Jazz CD Reviews

Wadada Leo Smith & Louis Moholo-Moholo – Ancestors – Tum CD-029, 60:19 ****:  

(Wadada Leo Smith (trumpet, percussion), Louis Moholo-Moholo (drums, percussion, voice))

The recording quality excellent of this disc is excellent.  The music is based in African rhythms and comes across as Tribal and procession-like in parts.  The drums and percussion are intense and powerful while the horn evokes a Miles quality.  Though there are but two performers, the music is not lacking for breadth.  The performance can become a bit wild and unrestrained yet still under control.  For those who appreciate the avantgarde works of Miles or Coltrane or the stylings of Ornette the music on this record will be appealing.  The third track is almost entirely improvisational and listeners who don’t have knowledge of different forms of jazz will not “get” it.  The album’s title track is a good 25 minutes long and a tour de force reminiscent of what you hear in a live club performance.

The included booklet has notes on each of the songs as well as extensive biographies on both of the artists and their background in music.  A warning for the casual listener, this album is not for you.  For those ready to take on something more serious outside the border of much of the common, sedate, i.e. boring jazz being produced these days…step across!

TrackList: Moholo-Moholo/Golden Spirit; No Name in the Street, James Baldwin; Jackson Pollock – Action; Siholaro; Ancestors (Parts 1-5).

—Brian Bloom

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