Trombonist Chris Washburne takes music from the nascent days of jazz and brings it up to the 21st Century in this intriguing mix of new wine in old wineskins. The team of Washburne with Alphonso Horne/tp, Christopher/cl, Andre Mehmari/p, Hans Glawischnig/ and Vince Cherico/dr stretch and pull pieces such as the Creole “Lisette” and a Cuban groover on Scott Joplin’s “Solace.” The team has fun with another Joplin piece on “Mildly Entertained,” and vocals by Sarah Elizabeth Charles livens up earthy tunes l ik e”Maple Leaf Rag” and a wild “St. Louis Blues.” Most intriguing is a solemn “Strange Fruit” with Charles delivering devastating lyrics, as well as Vuyo Sotashe getting down to earth on “Creole Belles.” A wonderful gumbo of sounds fit for a bowl!
Zoho Records