Check Cashing Day

BOBBY WATSON: Check Cashing Day
Lafiya, 2013

MODERN JAZZ + POETRY – Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s march on Washington and the famous “I have a dream” speech, saxophonist Watson and poet Glenn North create a moving, politically charged survey of the state of Black America. The band has a warm, optimistic sound, but the poetry pulls no punches, often taking a confrontational stance. The CD title refers to a metaphor from King’s speech. All tracks FCC clean.

Fo’s Picks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 14

1. 6:10 – instrumental: sunny, optimistic tune with a lovely round of solos
2. 4:34 – spoken word: the promise of the march vs. persistent racism
3. 4:21 – instrumental: a bright, upbeat bounce
4. 2:10 – short poem over slow ensemble, on the meaning of blackness
5. 7:22 – instrumental: deep, rolling postbop groove with flute, stirring solos
6. 4:26 – sharp spoken word over jazzy stroll: on slavery reparations
7. 4:05 – dark, pessimistic poem and thoughtful band sound
8. 6:43 – a song of faith & healing: uplifting fem vocal & a resolute sound
9. 3:56 – instrumental: uptempo and warm, derived from “Giant Steps”
10. 1:50 – solo piano reprise of #4
11. 5:11 – instrumental: breezy and optimistic, with short, heartfelt solos
12. 1:57 – aggressive, defiant poem over funky uptempo groove
13. 2:09 – MLK text about jazz, gentle musical backing with flute
14. 4:10 – poem about healing & a jazz heaven; relaxed, soulful band
15. 4:10 – Ellington gospel classic, slow and reverent with fem vocal

[ Fo ] - 2 January 2014