Search - Wadada Leo Smith :: The Year of the Elephant

This Is Great Jazz!

A. Davis | Greenville, SC | 05/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't get enough of this kind of music. It is melodic, yet open & free. The musician are seasoned to the point of being able to anticipate each others moves, and make adjustments to take the compositions to a higher level. This music is rich, favorable and full of wonderful textures provided by four exceptional musicians. Following on the heels of the brilliant "Golden Quartet", "The Year of The Elephant" is another exceptional recording. Anthony Davis has never sounded better. His ideas are fresh and crisp. Jack DeJohnette plays with passion and verve, while Malachi's bass is as solid as a rock. Wadada plays beautifully. He conjures up the ghost of Miles on muted horn, but doesn't get stuck in the past. His ideas challenge the Quartet to stretch and contract until the true beauty is fully extracted from each composition. This kind of music leaves you with a big smile on you face. It is fresh, insightful and challenging. After several listens, I keep wanting more. This was one of the best CD's I purchased in 2002. I need more Jazz with this kind of vibe. Enjoy!"