Questions posed by author W.E.B. Du Bois in his book The Souls of Black Folk are espoused in both word and song by Arturo O’Farrill in this penetrating and serious of his most recent albums. There is an inclusion of a choruses prepared by Jana Ballard, who deliver narrations in solo or choir settings ranging from modern classical to gospel to operatic. The Four Part A Still, Small Voice is a musical reflection to the 2008 financial disaster that effected our country so deeply, and it includes liturgical tones, defiant brass and reeds, and percussion discussions, all based on the biblical story of Elijah hearing God not in wild visions or cacophonies, but in “as still small voice”.
Otherwise, “Baby Jack” has deep saxes and a dark funky beat akin to a 50s film noir, with O’Farrill’s piano lurking around Ivan Renta’s tenor sax on “Jazz Twins”. The 16 minute “Four Questions” includes Dr. Cornel West narrating a musical and social journey while “Clump, Unclump” has O’Farrill in a Monkish mood with long B-movie shadows. Heavy messages and tones make you want to wear a trench coat for protection against the elements.