The First Sprawl Classic
Ori Dagan | Toronto | 07/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I believe the title of this album alludes to the 1949 Miles Davis classic, "Birth of the Cool". Fifty years later, Rita di Ghent gives birth to Sprawl: a mixture of traditional jazz and contemporary styles such as funk, hip hop, and rap. Yet "The Birth of Sprawl" is more than just a fusion of styles. It is philosophical too, with particular attention paid to modern values and the nature of contemporary urban life.
Most of the album is comprised of Rita's own original compositions, as well as unique interpretations of Bob Dylan and Billie Holiday. "God Bless the Child" is a particularly religious experience. Her crisp phrasing and keen melodic embellishments are extremely Billie, yet they are accompanied by modern grooves of Sprawl. She also decorates this piece with slow-paced scat-singing licks that sound as improvised and bluesy and hip as a horn.
Rita also pays tribute to Miles Davis by writing some very cool lyrics to "So What" which transforms into a groovy "So What, the Funk". For many jazzheads this could be the best track on the album. Most fans, however, are big on Rita's own compositions.
There are enough jazz standards about love and heartache. Di Ghent is a gifted songwriter whose lyrics reflect a sensitivity and concern for the human condition. My favourites are probably "My Dream" and "$20 Ring", both extremely intelligent pieces about illusion, greed and superficiality. Another remarkable track is called "Peace Conspiracy", which contains the refreshing line 'Let there be peace and let it begin with me'. When was the last time you heard a groovy tune that was catchy and contained such a positive message?
This album really put Rita di Ghent on the map; she has toured the world with it and is receiving international attention.
I have heard that Rita is currently working on the sequel to "The Birth of Sprawl". How exciting!
Don't miss out, discover the groovy SOUL that is JAZZ past, present and future: Rita di Ghent."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1