Wadada Leo Smith's "The Blue Mountain's Sun Drummer" is a captivating exploration of free jazz and avant-garde sounds, released on January 1, 2010, under Kabell Records. Clocking in at just over 51 minutes, this album is a testament to Smith's innovative approach to jazz, blending traditional and experimental elements to create a unique auditory experience.
The album opens with "Uprising," setting the tone for the journey ahead, followed by the soulful "Love" and the evocative "Seeds of a Forgotten Flower." Titles like "The Blue Mountains Sun Drummer" and "Mto - The Celestial River" hint at the spiritual and cultural influences that permeate the tracks. Smith's trumpet work is both powerful and delicate, weaving through the compositions with a sense of purpose and direction.
"Don't You Remember" and "Sellassie-I" showcase Smith's ability to blend personal narrative with broader themes, while "Seven Arrows in the Garden of Light" and "Buffalo People - A Blues Ritual Dance" delve into ritualistic and ceremonial sounds. The album closes with "Albert Ayler In A Spiritual Light," a tribute to another jazz pioneer, rounding out a collection that is as thought-provoking as it is musically rich.
For fans of free jazz and avant-garde music, "The Blue Mountain's Sun Drummer" offers a deep dive into the creative mind of Wadada Leo Smith, a master of his craft.
Vinylscout