Hey Donald

Album Description

Dive into the avant-garde jazz landscape with Roscoe Mitchell's "Hey Donald," a captivating album released in 1995 on the Delmark label. This album, recorded in 1994, marks the debut of Mitchell's quartet, showcasing his mastery of the alto saxophone within the free jazz genre. With a runtime of 57 minutes, the album features 12 tracks that push the boundaries of traditional jazz, offering a unique and exhilarating listening experience.

"Hey Donald" is a tribute to Mitchell's friend Donald Myrick, a saxophonist who played a pivotal role in the formation of the legendary band Earth, Wind, and Fire. The album's title track, "Hey Donald," pays homage to Myrick, reflecting the deep musical connection and friendship between the two artists.

The album opens with "Walking in The Moonlight," setting the tone for the innovative and experimental journey that follows. Tracks like "Dragons" and "Jeremy" highlight Mitchell's prowess on the saxophone, while "The El" and "Englewood High School" offer a nod to his Chicago roots. The album also includes poignant pieces like "Song For Rwanda," demonstrating Mitchell's ability to convey depth and meaning through his music.

Throughout "Hey Donald," Mitchell's quartet delivers a powerful and dynamic performance, blending free jazz with avant-garde elements to create a sound that is both challenging and rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or new to the genre, this album offers a rich and immersive experience that showcases the brilliance of Roscoe Mitchell and his quartet.

1 januari 1995

About Roscoe Mitchell

Roscoe Mitchell is a pioneering figure in the world of avant-garde jazz, renowned for his innovative compositions and virtuosic performances on multiple woodwind instruments, with a particular mastery of the saxophone. Born in Chicago in 1940, Mitchell has been at the forefront of modern music for over half a century, co-founding both the Art Ensemble of Chicago and the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). His work is characterized by a deliberate and methodical approach that pushes the boundaries of improvisation, earning him accolades as one of the key figures in avant-garde jazz. Mitchell's contributions extend beyond performance; he is also a respected educator and musical thinker, currently serving as the Darius Milhaud Chair of Composition at Mills College. With a career spanning over five decades, Mitchell continues to inspire and influence the jazz world, blending composition and improvisation in groundbreaking ways.