Picking up where Charlie Haden’s Liberation Orchestra left off, the Liberation Music Collective is “dedicated to performing original compositions about contemporary social issues,” with eht “XXI” referring to the 21st Century. As with Haden’s big band, the subtitle should include, “liberal” social issues, as nothing about abortion, the slaughter of Christians or the oppression of big government is covered here. Never the less, is spite of the PC questions and answers about “the 99%,” the music here is impressive and exciting.
Evan Main’s piano delivers a rich opening for the horns to enter through on “Murasaki” while the militaristic drone of “War Department” sets the tone for Jess Henry’s impassioned trumpet solo. Hannah Fidler’s voice and bass propel the folksy and percussive “El Viento” and while the commentary on “Black and Red” feels like a report from MSNBC, the horns here and on the lithely bopping “Wedding Hymn” are irresistible. Lots of excellent musical statements, provided with passion.
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