New Release: Wadada Leo Smith - Spiritual Dimensions

Wadada Leo Smith - Spiritual Dimensions on Cuneiform Records

This is a new 2-CD release featuring Wadada's Golden Quintet on disc one (w/ Vijay Ayer-Piano/Synth, John Lindberg-Bass, Pheeroan Aklaff & Don Moye-Drums) and his group Organic on disc two (Michael Gregory-guitar, Brandon Ross-guitar, Nels Cline-guitar, Okyung Lee-cello, Skuli Sverrisson-Bass, John Lindberg-Bass, and Peeroan Aklaff-drums. Organic also has a guest appearance by Lamar Smith, Wadada's grandson, on two tracks.

Both CD's are taken from live shows, Golden Quintet @ Vision XIII in NYC and Organic @ Firehouse in New Haven, CT

This is a must have release. Both groups show unique facets of Wadada's music and the varied ensembles highlight the depth of his compositions. The track that I am thinking of specifically is "South Central L.A. Kulture". The track is played by both ensembles back to back (last track on 1st CD and 1st track on 2nd CD) and it is striking hear the similarities and uniqueness of each version, being thet came from the same material.

While contemporary trumpeters are spouting the merits of "really" getting inside Broadway musicals to understand standards better (seriously?) and hosting marginal events at Lincoln Center, Wadada is busy paving fresh, new ground for the trumpet, the ensemble, improvisation, and music.

Buy it.