Customer Reviews

Shakti (Dig)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a monster of an album. It was recorded May 9, 2008 at Systems Two Studio, Brooklyn New York. Systems Two was also responsible for the mixing and mastering of the final product. The quality of the sound on this 65+ minute CD is exceptional by any standard.

One of the first things you realize, after a few listens, is that the music sounds relatively calm and unhurried, with many arranged areas including memorable melodies that begin and end some of the pieces. It's also apparent that David S Ware plays magnificently throughout. There is now an audible vulnerability present in his sound which increases the warmth and the humanity of his expression. He seems to communicate his intentions with a new found focus and clarity. That ability, in no small way, is due to his choice of musical collaborators.

William Parker and drummer Warren Smith are down with Ware's musical concepts. Parker knows how to pick choice notes or play rhythmic figures and riffs in a way that supports horn players. With Ware, he has quite a history and on this recording shows his masterly work is as good as ever. Warren Smith drums in a way that adds to the finish, embellishing the music rather than overpowering it. He is beautifully subtle on this recording.

Joe Morris may be the catalyst here. I think he's the most consistantly brilliant guitarist out there. He leaves lots of open space which allows the music to breath and sharpens the impact of his solo statements. When he steps in to play a solo I'm all ears. He raises the bar. I loved Ware's quartet with Matt Shipp on piano, but Joe Morris takes this one to another place and it's a place I'm liking more and more.

Shakti is an album that seems, among other things, carefully considered. There are quieter moments and slower tempos that make it an attractive package for newcomers and even for those accustomed to a more abrasive Ware. The five new tunes from Ware's pen are all excellent and the reworking of 'Antidromic' from "Wisdom of Uncertainty" highlights Ware's evolving legacy. Definetely a worthy addition to the Ware discography and, without a doubt, worth owning.

I like David S. Ware & Co., but this is not THAT good. Yes, the sound quality of the recording is excellent. William Parker's sound is as dominating as it always is and so is Ware's. The guitar, too, makes a welcome change, yet there is nothing really original about Joe Morris' playing - at least not to my ears. Warren Smith's cymbal work and mallets lighten the feel of the pieces, but adds little else so that after a while you get fed up with William Parker's thrumming. That makes Ware's blowing the only highlight. That's not enough, I'm afraid. You can hear him in much much better company on other CD's - check 'em out.

Simply amazing.

Quite frankly, I wasn't expecting too much when I picked up this disk on a whim while flipping through the new release bins...and am I ever glad I found it.

Without a doubt the best free jazz offering I've heard so far this year.

Buy it, you'll love it.