This is Darius Jones' first recording as a leader, and a very fine one it is. He comes through as a skilled composer, a hugely soulful saxophonist, and an assured leader. Man'ish Boy offers a superb listening experience that runs the gamut of human emotions, from the simple one-minute opener "Roosevelt" -- a showcase to establish Jones' supple, yearning, slightly slippery alto sax tone -- down to the tender ballad "Forgive Me," a gorgeous prayer where less is more: harmony, structure, and solo being brought down to bare ...
Read More
This is Darius Jones' first recording as a leader, and a very fine one it is. He comes through as a skilled composer, a hugely soulful saxophonist, and an assured leader. Man'ish Boy offers a superb listening experience that runs the gamut of human emotions, from the simple one-minute opener "Roosevelt" -- a showcase to establish Jones' supple, yearning, slightly slippery alto sax tone -- down to the tender ballad "Forgive Me," a gorgeous prayer where less is more: harmony, structure, and solo being brought down to bare essentials. In between these two tracks, you get a couple of energetic pieces in "Cry Out" and "Chasing the Ghost" (strong heads, creative solos, stellar group playing), three improvised duets/trios, and the cataclysmic "Meekness," the album's highlight. "Meekness" is a lament building from resignation to ecstatic plea and quickly back to resignation -- it's a tour de force for such a young player to display the kind of emotional depth you would expect from a seasoned (and disillusioned) musician 20 or 30 years older. For this session, recorded in April 2009, Jones selected two veteran New York jazzmen: drummer Rakalam Bob Moses and pianist Cooper-Moore. The unit clicks: Moses' elastic time-keeping fits Jones' sliding-between-the-notes technique, while Cooper-Moore's diddley-bo (a one-string bass of sorts) adds an element of danger and funk to the mix -- this peculiar instrument is featured in a couple of tunes, and makes an appearance at the tail-end of "Forgive Me." After the main eight-piece program comes a ten-minute bonus track, "Chaych," recorded live in August 2008 with a different trio featuring Adam Lane on bass and drummer Jason Nazary: a raw recording of a scorching composition, energetic for sure but coarse, a bit of a letdown after such a stellar main event. Darius Jones' recording debut as a leader turned out to be one of the jazz highlights of 2009. This sets the bar pretty high for the young saxophonist's next move., Rovi
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork. Disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.