Marcus Strickland has been one of the top tier sax players of his generation, having ideas wide enough to play straight ahead with Jeremy Pelt or get a bit “urban” with Robert Glasper. Here, he leads his Twi-Life band of Mishell Ndegcello/b (who also produces the session), Charles Haynes/dr, Jean Baylor/voc, Keyon Harrold/tp, Big Uyki/keys, Mitch Henry/key and Kyle Miles/b along with guests including Glasper for a highly impressive album that satisfies those locked into the tradition as well as those trying to keep the music relevant to the Millennial generation.
Some of the pieces such as “Tic Top” have a gently rolling and undulating theme provided by reed and horns, while others include a searing alto on “The Chant” that goes from a 60s soul vibe to modal grooves. Some sweet and subdued vocals by Baylor on “Inevitable,” Alive” and “Talking Loud” have a bohemian inner city vibe, while Stricland’s bass clarinet and Glaspers fingerwork on “Inevitable” is a palpable delight. Each song has its own special mood, and sometimes the songs themselves have songs inside, as “Celestelude” shifts from blues to modal to funk at the flip of a switch. Strickland even gives a talk about the importance of family for a segue, and his quote from Ecclesiastes in the Bible shows he’s got his head on straight. This guy’s got some great things to offer, and they’re presented well here.
Blue Note Records