"Black Classical Music" is a
recently released album by the extraordinary British drummer, Yussef Dayes.
Right away, listeners will notice that it diverges significantly from
traditional classical music, such as the works of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart,
Rachmaninov, Debussy, and others.
اضافة اعلان
Interesting is an apt starting point
Describing this new release,
"interesting" is an apt starting point. While "interesting"
alone may not guarantee likability, it serves as a promising beginning. More
accurate descriptors for this album include a blend of hip-hop, contemporary
jazz, experimental jazz, electro, and the trendy trap house jazz - all infused
with an adventurous spirit. So, how does it sound?
An outstanding example of contemporary jazz
The album, spanning one hour and 14 minutes,
opens with what I consider the standout among its 19 tracks, bearing the same
title as the album itself. It is an outstanding example of contemporary jazz.
From Dayes’ mind-blowing drumming to Charlie Stacey's virtuosic and exquisite
piano performance, this track alone justifies the entire album.
Brisk tempo will undoubtedly quicken your
heart rate
It is well-structured, impeccably arranged,
and its brisk tempo will undoubtedly quicken your heart rate. This represents
modern jazz at its pinnacle. The recording quality and sound are exceptional,
best appreciated with high-definition audio equipment, be it open speakers or
headphones. Unfortunately, this captivating piano work appears on only a few
tracks.
Describing this new release, "interesting" is an apt starting point. While "interesting" alone may not guarantee likability, it serves as a promising beginning. More accurate descriptors for this album include a blend of hip-hop, contemporary jazz, experimental jazz, electro, and the trendy trap house jazz - all infused with an adventurous spirit. So, how does it sound?
In terms of style, sound, and overall appeal—subjective
as the latter may be—compositions vary significantly from track to track. It's
essential to remember that this is experimental music, which ensures unity and
coherence through superb sound quality and flawless performances. However, intrinsic
beauty fluctuates from one piece to the next.
Incorporates the voice of his young daughter,
Bahia
Among the top tracks, "The Light"
stands out. Here, Dayes incorporates the voice of his young daughter, Bahia,
seamlessly blending her words with the music. While most tracks are
instrumentals, others feature vocals, like "Pon di Plaza,"
beautifully interpreted by Jamaican vocalist Chronixx, showcasing spirit, tone,
and style.
Another standout is "Marching
Band," which, on the Spotify platform, has garnered the highest number of
plays—approximately two million—just one week after the album's release. The
vocalist here is Masego, an American-Jamaican artist known for his Trap House
Jazz style.
Some tracks feature drum patterns that are
overly repetitive and lack creativity, serving merely as average background or
ambient music. However, five to six tracks on the album shine, a better ratio
than many contemporary releases achieve. The blend of sounds, Dayes' immaculate
and powerful drumming, the mix of instruments from synthesizers to acoustic and
electric, all contribute to the album's charm. Not to mention the diverse
styles, ranging from Cuban and Afro-Jamaican reggae to straightforward contemporary
jazz.
Many talented musicians contributed to this
creative project
Many talented musicians contributed to this
creative project. Rocco Palladino on bass, the son of renowned bassist Pino
Palladino, left a significant imprint on the album, almost as much as Dayes
himself. His distinctive bass style, characterized by clarity, fullness, and
subtlety, complements the music perfectly. The opening lines of track two,
"Afro Cubanism," exemplify his style.
It is well-structured, impeccably arranged, and its brisk tempo will undoubtedly quicken your heart rate. This represents modern jazz at its pinnacle. The recording quality and sound are exceptional, best appreciated with high-definition audio equipment, be it open speakers or headphones. Unfortunately, this captivating piano work appears on only a few tracks.
Jamilah Barry, a UK-based vocalist, delivers
a fine performance on track 17, "Woman’s Touch." Other artists who
made invaluable contributions to the performance and recording include Elijah
Fox, a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer based in Los Angeles,
Shabaka Hutchings, a British jazz musician, composer, and conductor, Miles
James, known for folky, experimental, acoustic songs, Sheila Maurice Grey, a
British jazz musician (trumpet and vocals), and Nathaniel Cross and Theon
Cross, both UK-based musicians.
The Chineke! Orchestra also played a role in
this project. Founded in 2015 by double bass player Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, this
ensemble aims to provide career opportunities for Black and ethnically diverse
classical musicians in the UK and Europe.
Dayes, who studied with the celebrated
American drummer Billy Cobham, presents "Black Classical Music" as
his debut solo studio album.
Jean-Claude Elias is a computer engineer and a classically trained pianist and guitarist. He has been regularly writing IT articles, reviewing music albums, and covering concerts for more than 30 years.
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