Matana Roberts' groundbreaking album, Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens de Couleur Libres, marks the inaugural chapter in her ambitious 12-part Coin Coin project. Released on 10 May 2011 via Constellation, this seminal work showcases Roberts' innovative spirit and mastery of free jazz, avant-garde, and experimental sounds.
Featuring a 15-piece Montreal ensemble, this live in-studio recording is a testament to Roberts' vision and collaborative genius. The album's title, translating to "Free People of Color", sets the tone for a deeply personal and historically informed exploration of jazz. With tracks like "Rise", "Pov Piti", and "Song for Eulalie", Roberts weaves a complex narrative that is both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly experimental.
Clocking in at 1 hour and 1 minute, Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens de Couleur Libres is a rich and immersive listening experience that has garnered critical acclaim, including a spot among the top ten jazz releases of 2011 by the Los Angeles Times. As the first instalment in a grand epic, this album lays the foundation for a profound and ongoing exploration of sound, history, and identity. With its release, Matana Roberts cemented her position as a leading voice in contemporary jazz, and Coin Coin Chapter One: Gens de Couleur Libres remains an essential listening experience for fans of innovative and avant-garde music.
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