Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Akua Dixon: Akua's Dance

7

Akua Dixon: Akua's Dance

By

Sign in to view read count
Akua Dixon: Akua's Dance
A visage of joyousness fills this album cover. Cellist Akua Dixon, with back arched and eyes closed, can't contain herself. A knowing smile washes over her face as she bathes in the light with cello in hand. It's a picture that perfectly illustrates the artist's place in the moment: Dixon has reached a point of supreme confidence, where percipience permeates her every move and guides her every turn. She doesn't miss a step on Akua's Dance.

This third album from Dixon is a step above and away from its predecessor—Akua Dixon (Self Produced, 2015), her string-centric sophomore date. That outing had its bright moments, but it seemed rudderless at times. This one doesn't have that problem. Dixon's directional sense is practically flawless here. She knows just where she wants to go and she plots out the most pleasing routes for travel. It would seem the third time really is the charm.

The instrumentation here has a lot to do with the heightened jazz sensibility of the project. Rather than return to strings-heavy territory, Dixon places herself within or atop two different rhythm sections, each of which is grounded by drummer Victor Lewis. Seven of the tracks give her the opportunity to trip the light fantastic with Lewis, guitarist Freddie Bryant, and bassist Kenny Davis. Together they inhabit an Afro-Brazilian space on "I Dream A Dream," swing cheerily along on "Dizzy's Smile," mix African and Argentine sensibilities on the tango-tinged title track, and deliver a sensitive and moving rendition of Abbey Lincoln's "Throw It Away" with Dixon stepping forward as vocalist. Not enough variety for you? Then add a cover of smooth songstress Sade's "The Sweetest Taboo," a solemn trip through "I'm Gonna Tell God All Of My Troubles," and the soulful "Don't Stop." That should do the trick.

The other rhythm section pairs the queen of jazz cello with fellow royalty—Lewis, guitarist Russell Malone, and bassist Ron Carter. Those four act as weavers of dreams on "If My Heart Could Speak To You," waltz in flowing fashion on "Orion's Gait," and leverage the music's motherland on "Afrika! Afrika!," a weighty and wondrous arco sermon that eventually takes flight. That quartet is a grouping that'll naturally gain more attention, what with the marquee names, but both rhythm sections do right by Dixon. And she, of course, delivers on every track, whether working with her cello, standing out as singer, or taking to the baritone violin. Her work shines bright throughout Akua's Dance.

Track Listing

I Dream A Dream; Dizzy's Smile; If My Heart Could Speak To You; Orion's Gait; Akua's Dance; Throw It Away; Afrika! Afrika!; The Sweetest Taboo; I'm Gonna Tell God All Of My Troubles; Don't Stop.

Personnel

Akua Dixon: baritone violin (1, 2, 5, 8-10); Freddie Bryant: guitar (1, 2, 5, 6, 8-10); Kenny Davis: bass (1, 2, 5, 6, 8-10)Victor Lewis: drums; Russell Malone: guitar (3, 4, 7); Ron Carter: bass (3, 4, 7).

Album information

Title: Akua's Dance | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Self Produced

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.