Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens de Couleur Libres

Matana Roberts' groundbreaking album, Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens de Couleur Libres, marks the inaugural chapter in her ambitious 12-part Coin Coin project. Released on 10 May 2011 via Constellation, this seminal work showcases Roberts' innovative spirit and mastery of free jazz, avant-garde, and experimental sounds.

Featuring a 15-piece Montreal ensemble, this live in-studio recording is a testament to Roberts' vision and collaborative genius. The album's title, translating to "Free People of Color", sets the tone for a deeply personal and historically informed exploration of jazz. With tracks like "Rise", "Pov Piti", and "Song for Eulalie", Roberts weaves a complex narrative that is both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly experimental.

Clocking in at 1 hour and 1 minute, Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens de Couleur Libres is a rich and immersive listening experience that has garnered critical acclaim, including a spot among the top ten jazz releases of 2011 by the Los Angeles Times. As the first instalment in a grand epic, this album lays the foundation for a profound and ongoing exploration of sound, history, and identity. With its release, Matana Roberts cemented her position as a leading voice in contemporary jazz, and Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens de Couleur Libres remains an essential listening experience for fans of innovative and avant-garde music.

Matana Roberts is a multifaceted artist based in New York City, renowned for their innovative approach to sound and music. As a saxophonist, composer, and sound experimentalist, Roberts blends genres such as free jazz, avant-garde, and experimental music to create immersive, panoramic soundscapes. Their work is deeply rooted in exploration of history, memory, and ancestry, most notably through their acclaimed multichapter project "Coin Coin," which delves into African-American history and culture through various musical styles and media. Roberts' performances and recordings are not just auditory experiences but also visual and narrative journeys, incorporating elements of dance, poetry, and theater. With a background in the vibrant jazz scenes of Chicago and New York, and a membership in esteemed organizations like the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Black Rock Coalition, Matana Roberts continues to push the boundaries of creative expression, making them a standout figure in contemporary music and art.

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