Description
The album showcases the imaginative sounds of alto saxophonist Steve Coleman as he collaborates with his innovative ensemble, the Five Elements. This period marks one of Coleman’s most prolific phases, as he explores a distinctive angular swing that draws inspiration from the more adventurous tendencies found in 1980s mainstream jazz. However, unlike some of his contemporaries who may have succumbed to overly academic approaches, Coleman’s work here possesses a lush, acoustic quality that feels inviting and vibrant.
The rhythmic foundation, while precise, maintains an appealing warmth, largely attributed to the skilled drumming of Gene Lake. In addition to Coleman’s expressive alto saxophone, the group features the dynamic piano stylings of Andy Milne, the resonant bass lines of Reggie Washington, and the occasional tenor saxophone contributions from the talented Ravi Coltrane, adding layers of depth to their collaborative sound.
The album includes compelling tracks such as “Dogon,” which may conjure reflections of ancient cultures, and “Flint,” evoking both strength and resilience. Pieces like “Veritable Pedagogy” and “Multiplicity Of Approaches” offer a nod to the educational aspects of jazz, emphasizing the multiple influences and styles that converge in their music. Other notable titles, including “The Khu” and “Pad That,” showcase the group’s ability to blend complex structures with an accessible emotional core, making for an engaging listening experience throughout.
Line-up/Musicians
Steve Coleman (Alto Saxophone)
Andy Milne (Piano and Keyboards)
Reggie Washington (Bass Guitar) – 1-4,6-10
Gene Lake (Drums and Percussion)
Ravi Coltrane (Tenor Saxophone) – 1,3,5
Craig Handy (Tenor Saxophone) – 8
Matthew Garrison (Bass Guitar) – 5
Michael Wimberly (Djembe, Cowbell) – 1,5
Jalal Sharriff (Djun Djun) – 5
Kwe Yao Agyapan (Bongo, Congas, Djun Djun and Djembe) – 1,5
Ronnie Roc (Bongo and Talkin Drum) – 5
Mastered By – Ted Jensen
Photography By – Phillip Wong
Piano, Keyboards – Andy Milne
Recorded By, Mixed By – Joseph Marciano*
Tenor Saxophone – Ravi Coltrane (tracks: 1, 3, 5)
Written-By – Steve Coleman (tracks: 3 to 7, 9)
Track Listing
- Flint
- Verifiable Pedagogy (from Pedagogy and Confirmation)
- Dogon
- Multiplicity of Approaches (The Afrikan Way of Knowing)
- The Khu (Divine Will)
- Pad Thai
- Jeannine’s Sizzling (from Fire Revisited and Jeannine I Dream of Lilac Time)
- Patterns of Force
- The Mantra (Intonation of Power)
- Salt Peanuts
