Follow The North Star

TK BLUE: Follow the North Star
JaJa, 2008

MODERN JAZZ – Saxophonist TK Blue (Talib Kibwe) presents a postbop suite inspired by the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from New York who was kidnapped in 1841, taken to Louisiana and enslaved for 12 years. The disc shines in the slow middle section, which is full of feeling but not melodramatic, maintaining a strong sense of dignity and innate righteousness. Very fine mainstream jazz with an African undertone.

Fo’s Picks: 3, 4, 6, 8, 12

1. 6:02 – gentle kalimba intro, then a rollicking theme, catchy and airy
2. 6:08 – hard-edged intro; then a very happy tune, rolls quickly
3. 2:46 – solo piano, gentle and noble, introduces #4
4. 6:34 – lovely ballad, very warm and tranquil with spirited sax, stately piano
5. 0:47 – brief alto sax fluttering, introduces #6
6. 7:04 – simple sax melody, serious tick-tock march, bluesy piano
7. 1:36 – soft & introspective bass solo, introduces #8
8. 6:10 – resolute sound: soprano sax over a dark march, serious piano
9. 4:09 – heavy spiritual storminess, with a somber ballad peeking through
10. 2:08 – happy sax/trombone duet; a New Orleans sound, leads into…
11. 7:42 – happy midtempo march/strut, upbeat solos all around
12. 6:11 – a cool sneak: alto sax just a li’l bit funky
13. 8:04 – African gospel sound, warmly optimistic, very pleasant

[ Fo ] 6-Jul-08