Latin Genesis by Dave Liebman

11 Feb

Written by Turiya Mareya
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In 1971 Dave Leibman was just starting his career and had the life changing experience of recording Genesis with Elvin Jones. His fellow reed artist Dan Moretti was also profoundly influenced by that music to the point that he transcribed and learned all the tracks. When Leibman suggested revisiting that experience Moretti was ready and with the addition of another saxophonist Don Braden they began the project of paying tribute to an unforgettable session. This players on this current session represent a wide divergence of ethnic and cultural backgrounds including percussionists Pernell Saturnino from the Island of Curacao and Jorge Najaro from Cuba by way of Columbia. Bassist Oscar Stagnaro hails from Peru. Drummer Mark Walker completes the rhythm section.

What is a uniting factor is the Boston Berklee School of Music. They all seem to have studied there or taught there. The piano is absent but not missed as the drummers create a world of their own that the horn dance above. This is not Latin Jazz in the traditional sense but rather great Jazz artists creating with the impetus of Latin influenced rhythms. The music is contemporary and classic with a reworking of "Have you met Miss Jones " that amounts to a re-composition of the Rodgers and Hart Standard.

There are 4 of the Original Genesis tunes but this is music of 2002, based in the past but shooting into the future. You can hear in these tracks all the complexity of our modern era. This is concise, brilliant, ultimately beautiful music that defies categories. It is also a fitting homage to the great heart and spirit of Elvin Jones, whose vision is alive in this session.