Compiling a list of the greatest works of the last ten years is an inherently difficult proposition. The first complication lies in the fact that so many of my musical memories from the last decade are tied to recordings released prior to the period. Some of my best memories include the Charlie Parker song from 1950 that played at my wedding, the New Year’s Eve I first stumbled … [Read more...]
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah – ‘Centennial Trilogy: Diaspora’
Diaspora, the second album of trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah's Centennial Trilogy of albums he's releasing this year, is softer than its predecessor, Ruler Rebel. It's warmer, more somber, more spacey a collection of songs, as if these songs and the extra time between notes, a less is more approach here, is meant to depict the actual African Diaspora, a dispersal of … [Read more...]
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah – ‘Ruler Rebel’
Since time perpetually moves forward, all movement is technically forward movement. Everything is a form of progression. Experience gives texture to signature, though the elements of signature -- those attributes that define the outward expression of persona -- remain fundamentally intact because the everlasting battle of nature versus nurture will always end up in some sort of … [Read more...]
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah at the Jazz des Cinq Continents Festival (Full Concert Video)
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah debuted a new project last night at Harlem Stage in NYC with a repeat performance tonight, the shows both sold out. The melding of Stretch Music and Trap Music has us melting at the awesomeness. But if you’re like us, you probably can’t make it to NYC in time. So if you’re still down to catch a Christian Scott gig tonight from the comfort of your … [Read more...]
Christian Scott Live from Berklee on The Checkout Live
Seb and I were in New York City last weekend to catch Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah's Harlem Stage shows in support of his new album on Ropeadope, Stretch Music, among other experiences we had in the jazz mecca. It's always a fun time hanging with this band and immersing ourselves in this music. While I personally work through my experiences of those four days in Manhattan to … [Read more...]