Playing more flute has allowed Shabaka Hutchings to explore a new trajectory. The Sons of Kemet musician, here recording as Shabaka, serves up an album that understands the transcendent possibilities in the jazz form. And by enlisting a host of guests, Shabaka uses Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace as a celebration of styles.
Opener "End of Innocence" is as light as a breeze, as is "As The Planets and The Stars Collapse", a Laraaji-ish number that benefits from strings from Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and harp from Brandee Younger. "Managing My Breath, What Fear Had Become" introduces vocals on the record, though Shabaka has downplayed the significance of the words, while stressing their use in terms of vibe and mood. The lengthy "Body to Inhabit" with rap from Elucid, and bass from Esperanza Spalding works up a throwback mood that transports a listener. This is spiritual music in the sense that it demands attention, inspires the body to move and the mind to think, and works on the soul too. On "I'll Do Whatever You Want", more big names are brought in: Carlos Niño on percussion, Andre 3000 (Outkast) on flute, Laraaji on vocals, Marcus Gilmore on drums, and Floating Points on keys. The piece works spectacularly well, conjuring sounds that recall those from choice Laraaji releases. Like the best compositions on Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace, this selection marries carefully chosen electronic textures with the variable of an instrument. In this case, that instrument is Laraaji's voice as well as percussive hits from Niño and Gilmore. Calm, there's also a hint of the unpredictable in this groove.
The heart of Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace is "Breathing" near the conclusion of the record. Playing flute, clarinet, and saxophone, Shabaka commands here. The music, alternately thoughtful and fiery, opens up multiple spaces where Shabaka can explore sonically. A sax run here recalls Shepp and Coleman in its passionate embrace of chaos, though the melodic path of the song remains clear. Shabaka understands both improvisation's role in jazz and the use of mood too. Most of this album is one which a listener can sink into. The musicians challenge a listener, but also provide moments of reflection which suggest something nearly enlightened in its natural interplay of multiple styles and contributions from many. But the central vision is clearly Shabaka's.
Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace by Shabaka is out this week on Impulse! Records.
[Photo: atibaphoto]