Sky Garden by Henry Kaiser & Wadada Leo Smith (Yo Miles!)

28 Mar

Written by Glenn Astarita
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This 2-CD offering signifies the second installment of the "Yo Miles!" consortium, spearheaded by trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith and experimental guitarist Henry Kaiser. Cuneiform Records is a label that is synonymous with progressive rock and avant-garde jazz. Here, the label’s brain trust offers a production -featuring an impressive cast - that partially redefines ‘70s Miles Davis fusion with a contempo twist. Featuring drummer Steve Smith, saxophonists Greg Osby, John Tchicai and others, this beautifully recorded set, offers various perspectives. Occasionally, the musicians’ parallel the early ‘70s Miles era, but also dish out a nouveau perspective - as if Miles were alive and reengineering the road previously traveled. Either way, Wadada Leo Smith is the catalyst and traffic cop during the preponderance of this set.

The soloists reinvent some of Davis’ lesser-known works such as "Jabali (Part I)" in concert with a group-based original and several pieces written by Wadada Leo Smith. In addition, the pristine audio characteristics (SACD format) sound fantastic on ordinary CD units. Otherwise, the ensemble pursues ambient-electronic dreamscapes coupled with hyper-mode; jazz-funk grooves laced with rock beats and modern jazz type improv. To that end, the overall flow is laden with disparate metrics, amid oscillating twists, turns, and spacey treatments. The artists’ sparkling execution and focused game-plan shines luminously throughout. (Recommended.... )

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Henry Kaiser & Wadada Leo Smith (Yo Miles!)
CD Title: Sky Garden
Genre: Fusion
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: Cuneiform Records
Musicians: Wadada Leo Smith (electric and acoustic trumpets), Henry Kaiser (electric guitar), Michael Manring (bass), Steve Smith (drums), Chris Muir (electric guitar), Tom Coster (keyboards), Kark Perazzo (percussion), Greg Osby (alto sax), Mike Keneally (electric guitar * keyboards), John Tchicai (tenor & soprano saxes)- Special Guests: Zakir Hussain (tabla & percussion), Dave Creamer (guitar), ROVA Sax Quartet (saxes)
Label Website: http://www.cuneiformrecords.com
Rating: Four Stars