"Trumpet 1" is a captivating journey into the avant-garde jazz realm, presented by the legendary Wadada Leo Smith. Released in 2021 on the Finnish label TUM Records, this album is a testament to Smith's enduring creativity and mastery of the trumpet, celebrating his 80th year with a collection of nine intricate and thought-provoking compositions.
The album opens with a tribute to the free jazz pioneer Albert Ayler, setting the stage for the avant-garde explorations that follow. The centerpiece of the album is the five-part suite "Rashomon," each part offering a unique perspective and reflection, much like the classic film that inspired it. The suite showcases Smith's prowess in crafting complex, multi-layered compositions that challenge and engage the listener.
In addition to the "Rashomon" suite, the album features three stand-alone tracks, each dedicated to notable figures in the jazz world. "Howard and Miles - A Photographic Image" pays homage to Howard Johnson and Miles Davis, while "Metallic Rainbow (For Steve McCall)" honors the late drummer Steve McCall. The album concludes with "Sauna - A Healthy Journey (For Petri)," a piece dedicated to Petri Keskitalo, the founder of TUM Records.
Throughout the album, Wadada Leo Smith's trumpet playing is both virtuosic and deeply expressive, pushing the boundaries of the instrument and the jazz genre itself. With a duration of just over 50 minutes, "Trumpet 1" is a powerful and engaging exploration of the avant-garde, showcasing the enduring genius of one of jazz's most innovative and influential figures.
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