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Denys Baptiste: The Late Trane
BySo in pursuance of his previous album, 2010's Identity By Subtraction, Denys Baptiste has created a substantial paean to the late giant of saxophone. Eight of the ten numbers here are by Coltrane, the remaining two, "Neptune" and "Astral Trane" are Baptise originals, the former a planet missing from Coltrane's Interstellar Space, the latter continuing the space theme. Notably, the 'Trane numbers are mostly from his later works and aside from "After The Rain" are not frequently covered.
Two of the guest musicians on this record, Steve Williamson and Gary Crosby are former members of the London based Jazz Warriors and Baptiste himself was a member of Crosby's Nu Troop. Another pivotal member of this ensemble is Nikki Yeoh who has been a stalwart of the British jazz scene for over twenty years. Additionally, bassist Neil Charles and drummer Rod Youngs both make noteworthy contributions.
"Dusk Dawn" from Kulu Sé Mama opens the album with a majestic tenor fanfare and transitions through coruscating keyboard and even a brief foray into a reggae beat. "Ascent" is given an electric wah-wah treatment nearer to Miles than Trane. Ballads are represented by "Peace On Earth," from Concert In Japan and the elegant "Transition," underpinned by subtle obligato bass, evincing the epitome of modal tranquillity.
The antithesis of its predecessor the Baptiste-penned "Neptune" is a maelstrom of questing agitation with both saxophonists sparring viscerally throughout. "Vigil" is groove-laden and embellished by echoey, ghostly keyboard culminating in a dynamic twin sax coda.
In The Late Trane Baptiste succeeds in conjuring-up the spirit of Coltrane without reverting to clichéd simulacrum. This is a new and fresh sounding homage to the master, serving as a reminder as to just what a huge debt is owed to him.
Track Listing
Dusk Dawn; Living Space; Ascent; Peace On Earth; Transition; Neptune; Vigil; Astral Trane; After the Rain; Dear Lord.
Personnel
Denys Baptiste
saxophoneDenys Baptiste: tenor and soprano saxophones; Nikki Yeoh: piano and keyboards (1-9); Steve Williamson: tenor saxophone (6-8); Neil Charles: bass, electric bass (5-10); Gary Crosby: bass (1-3, 6 & 8) Rod Youngs: drums, percussion (1-3, 5-9).
Album information
Title: The Late Trane | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Edition Records
Comments
About Denys Baptiste
Instrument: Saxophone
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