| It takes a special kind of talent to combine successfully the nearly mutually exclusive art forms of jazz and poetry. Dennis Gonzalez and Yusef Komunyakaa have accomplished this difficult amalgamation with a bluesy, down-home presentation that features the ever-enchanting music of Gonzalez melded with the lush, resonant voice of Komunyakaa. Gonzalez wrote just about all the music for this live performance in Chicago, and it has his noted brand emphatically stamped all over it—melodic themes, rhythmic pulsation, intricate improvisations, unique instrumentation—all that we have come to recognize in his music is present here. Gonzalez very effectively adds a few modern twists with his display of sampled material, keyboard variations, and walkie-talkie inserts, which all co-exist naturally with his multiple brass instrumentation.
With this motivating undercurrent, Komunyakaa is able to command strict attention as he expresses himself in a most regal way. He has a deep, penetrating voice that reeks with richness. His poetry speaks of life's experiences, some of it ordinary and some of it special but much of it centered in the South and portraying a rustic Southern lifestyle. The stories come alive as he eloquently relates these very personal moments with vivid imagery. Komunyakaa has a way of expressing himself that makes a lasting impression. His verse often has a profound impact, such as when he states the obvious but often forgotten truism 'Elvis stole from R&B' within his storytelling of rural life on "Gristmill". With each succeeding tale, the mental pictures unfold, and one's mind simultaneously absorbs the stimulating music that becomes inseparable from the words.
Sugar Blue masterfully creates the Southern scene through his weeping, sadness-laden harmonica. Mark Deutsch adds an element from another culture as he embraces Komunyakaa's words through his soulful sitar. The use of these two diverse instruments works wonders in the mood-establishing department, taking one back in time on a journey down dusty roads at sundown where troubles were meant to be temporarily vanquished through the joy of the music. Gonzalez mixes in his soulful and yearning trumpet pleas, giving Komunyakaa a perfect soundstage from which to emote. Throw in the sensitive and accent-filled percussion work of Susie Ibarra, and you have a musical formula that works to perfection to complement the meaningful words.
Several of the selections are all-instrumental ventures, providing a platform for Gonzalez and the band to delve into his stimulating compositions. "Hymn for Tim Green" has an infectious beat that gets into one's blood while allowing the musicians to expound with improvisations to match the rhythmic pulsation. There are many moments when the band stretches out on its own, but when the lustrous voice of Komunyakaa reenters, the picture somehow becomes complete. The storyline of Komunyakaa is telling, and the emotion-drenched music of Gonzalez and its treatment by the band merges naturally with Komunyakaa's deep baritone voice. The ingredients are just right for making their marriage of poetry and jazz a viable union. |
ARTISTS
Dennis Gonzalez (C trumpet, pocket trumpet, flugelhorn, keyboard, samples, voice, walkie-talkie); Yusef komunyakaa (poetry, voice); Mark Deutsch (bazantar, electric bass, sitar); Susie Ibarra (drums, percussion); Sugar Blue (harmonicas) |
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