2023-09-19 08:35:00
Joshua Redman surrounded himself well for this project.
And invites us on a beautiful musical journey.
On September 15, the great American saxophonist Joshua Redman, who recently joined the Blue Note label, released his first vocal album, the first of his great career, which he recorded with an exceptional singer, Gabrielle. Cavassa, and a top-notch band made up of pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Joe Sanders and drummer Brian Blade. This album is literally thought of as a journey through the United States and its history, “where are we” sees Redman and his acolytes cover classics by John Coltrane, Count Basie or Bruce Springsteen and sign new compositions in homage to American places steeped in history.
The first single “Chicago Blues” – a mashup of “Goin’ to Chicago” by Count Basie and the song “Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens, with the participation of vibraphonist Joel Ross – is already available.
In a press release, Joshua Redman explains the idea behind the conception of this album.
“The concept behind ‘where are we’ is rather simple: each of the songs on the album refers to a city, a region or an American state. We thus cover “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen, “Going To Chicago” by Count Basie, “Manhathan” by Rodgers & Hart, “Alabama” by John Coltrane… In a way, it is therefore an album ‘regarding’ America – both a celebration and a criticism. But it is also, to varying degrees, an album of ballads, an album of standards, a romantic album, an album of social criticism, an album of melodic invention, an improvised album, an album of mashups… maybe -even be a tribute album.”
And, sometimes, to go further or bring a “local touch”, the saxophonist has invited musicians from the cities the pieces talk regarding. Thus, he invited guitarists Kurt Rosenwinkel (“Streets of Philadelphia”) and Peter Bernstein (“Manhattan”), trumpeter Nicholas Payton (“Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?”), and vibraphonist Joel Ross (“Chicago Blues”).
As you can see, this project is a real invitation to travel. And while the holidays are already far away, it’s true that we would love to leave once more!
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