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Wadada Leo Smith - Amina Claudine Myers: Central Park's Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens
ByWhat Central Park's Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths, and Gardens proves, right from its very first resonate notes, is that Smith and Myers have lost none of their youthful vigor and creative vitality, and deserve to stand tall in the telling of the AACM's rich history as well as the history of 20th and 21st century music writ large. "Conservatory Gardens" sets the reflective tone as Myers seeks out and establishes her harmonic stance. Graceful with an undercurrent of zealfor the moment, for the museSmith chimes in. His horn is clean. His sound rings beneath the great park's many underpasses and above its meadows.
The duo take their time knowing that time is all there is. It is what defines us allour actions of the moment in the moment for all time. Though the program is barely thirty-eight minutes long, Smith's haunting voice rides freely about Myers thoughtful jubilance. Brief but regal, "Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir" is the perfect reflection of the day. Smith's "Central Park at Sunset" plays out like a Monet watercolor shaded by the late afternoon light. Myers' sole composition "When Was" picks up peacefully from the close of "Central Park at Sunset" and moves safely into the quiet, though restless city night. Smith's soul deep anthems to Albert Ayler and John Lennon are fitting works intended to remind us that we all exist shoulder to shoulder. Each voice welcome. Each voice needed.
Track Listing
Conservatory Gardens; Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir; Central Park at Sunset; When Was; The Harlem Meer; Albert Ayler, a meditation in light; Imagine, a mosaic for John Lennon.
Personnel
Wadada Leo Smith
trumpetAmina Claudine Myers
pianoAdditional Instrumentation
Amina Claudine Myers: Hammond B3.
Album information
Title: Central Park's Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Red Hook Records
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