Dawn

About

In the ‘60s and the ‘70s John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, Pharaoh Sanders, the violinist Michael White, and others created work that featured yearning solos, hypnotic grooves, lots of hand percussion and the influence of Indian and African music. Vocals were important, too: think of the chanting on Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” or Leon Thomas’ wonderful and wild vocal explorations with Sanders. The L.A.-based jazz collective Build An Ark draws on that tradition, and it’s no surprise that their excellent 2007 release <i>Dawn</i> is dedicated to “John & Alice.” After the short introductory instrumental, “Sunshine,” the group covers Sanders’ “Healing Song.” Dwight Trible’s wordless vocals are accompanied by a free-flowing rhythm section, mellow piano, and effective viola interjections. “Love, Sweet Like Sugar Cane,” a song written and sung by Big Black, floats on entrancing, folk-like guitar and harp patterns. The title track starts off with a large group of vocalists riding a high-energy, handclap-driven groove before it shifts into a lovely, mellow section. The interesting closer “Heaven” evokes both a hymn and a Hollywood movie score.

via Apple Music