"Celestial Weather" is a captivating journey into the avant-garde and free jazz realms, masterfully crafted by trumpeter and composer Wadada Leo Smith. Released on December 8, 2017, via TUM Records, this album is a testament to Smith's innovative spirit and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz.
The album opens with two parts of "A Monarch of Creative Music," featuring the legendary bassist Malachi Favors Maghostut, setting the stage for the celestial journey that follows. The centerpiece of the album is the five-part "Celestial Weather Suite," each movement named after a different weather phenomenon—Cyclone, Hurricane, Icy Fog, Typhoon, and Tornado. These tracks showcase Smith's virtuosic playing and his ability to evoke vivid imagery through sound.
The album concludes with the two-part "Feathers and Earth," a hauntingly beautiful composition that brings the journey to a close. With a total runtime of over an hour, "Celestial Weather" is a substantial and immersive listening experience. Smith's unique approach to jazz, blending free improvisation with structured composition, makes this album a standout in his impressive discography. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, "Celestial Weather" offers a thrilling exploration of the boundless possibilities of creative music.
Vinylscout