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AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE, “a thrilling young trumpeter and astute bandleader [with a] unique spark in his playing” (The New Yorker), brings his artistic vision to the next level with the imagined savior is far easier to paint, his second release for Blue Note Records. The album follows his acclaimed major label debut When the Heart Emerges Glistening, which New York Times critic Nate Chinen named his #1 album of 2011, Akinmusire takes a more compositional turn on the imagined savior…, writing 12 of the 13 tracks and producing the album himself.
While Akinmusire continues to feature his extraordinary working quintet with tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, pianist Sam Harris, bassist Harish Raghavan, and drummer Justin Brown, he also broadens his palette by enlisting guitarist and fellow Northern California native Charles Altura. In addition, Akinmusire unveils gripping new collaborations with the OSSO String Quartet and flutist Elena Penderhughes, as well as vocalists Becca Stevens, Theo Bleckmann, and Cold Specks.
However, these encounters with strings and voices don’t at all diminish the central role of Akinmusire’s quintet, now edging toward a sextet with the addition of Altura. It’s awe-inspiring to hear the band’s energy and focus as it confronts every challenge in “As We Fight (willie penrose),” “Vartha,” “Bubbles (john william sublett)” (inspired by tap-dance legend John Bubbles), and “Richard (conduit),” a 16-minute-plus closing epic recorded live at Jazz Standard in New York City.
While Akinmusire continues to feature his extraordinary working quintet with tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, pianist Sam Harris, bassist Harish Raghavan, and drummer Justin Brown, he also broadens his palette by enlisting guitarist and fellow Northern California native Charles Altura. In addition, Akinmusire unveils gripping new collaborations with the OSSO String Quartet and flutist Elena Penderhughes, as well as vocalists Becca Stevens, Theo Bleckmann, and Cold Specks.
However, these encounters with strings and voices don’t at all diminish the central role of Akinmusire’s quintet, now edging toward a sextet with the addition of Altura. It’s awe-inspiring to hear the band’s energy and focus as it confronts every challenge in “As We Fight (willie penrose),” “Vartha,” “Bubbles (john william sublett)” (inspired by tap-dance legend John Bubbles), and “Richard (conduit),” a 16-minute-plus closing epic recorded live at Jazz Standard in New York City.
Official Website | www.ambroseakinmusire.com
Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/AmbroseAkinmusire
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ambroseire
Twitter | https://twitter.com/amBROSEire
Label | Blue Note Records
Management | Mariah Wilkins Artist Management, mariahwilkins[a]me.com
Management | Mariah Wilkins Artist Management, mariahwilkins[a]me.com
Press | Cem Kurosman, cem.kurosman[a]umusic.com
Discography | Ambrose Akinmusire on Allmusic.com
2017 Montreal Jazz Festival: An Embarrassment of Riches! — August 9, 2017, Jazz Police
Ambrose Akinmusire's A Rift In Decorum: Live at the Village Vanguard — July 4, 2017, All About Jazz
"Live recordings at the venerable Village Vanguard are immediately part of a storied tradition. Fully aware of the spirit of the place, trumpeter/composer Ambrose Akinmusire brought his longtime quartet..."
Ambrose Akinmusire: Embracing Risk — June, 27, 2017, Oregon Arts Watch
"Acclaimed young trumpeter’s artistic fearlessness sets an example that transcends music"
Jazz Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire On Becoming The Instrument— June 21, 2017, Westword Denver
Jazz Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire On Becoming The Instrument— June 21, 2017, Westword Denver
"There’s some virtuoso playing by trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and his quartet on the new double album A Rift in Decorum: Live at the Village Vanguard. But Akinmusire says he doesn’t remember a lot about playing during his stint at New York’s legendary jazz venue last year."
The Jazz Bakery’s “Moveable Feast” Presents: Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet At The Moss Theatre 06.16.17 — June 17, 2017, Jazz Weekly
"Throughout the history of jazz, the headline trumpet players have been known for muscular solos and chops. Ambrose Akinmusire challenges the status quo..."