Fred Moten, a renowned professor and scholar in Black studies, poetics, and critical theory, teams up with double bassist Brandon López and drummer Gerald Cleaver to present his debut album, "Moten." Released on September 30, 2022, under the Relative Pitch Record label, this album is a captivating blend of free jazz and spoken word, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes.
The album features a compelling tracklist that includes thought-provoking pieces such as "the abolition of art, the abolition of freedom, the abolition of you and me," "james baldwin," and "laura harris." Moten's unique approach to improvisation and his profound exploration of Black systems of knowledge make this album a standout in the jazz genre.
"Moten" has garnered critical acclaim, being featured in the New York Times' "Best Jazz Albums of 2022." The album is a testament to Moten's scholarly and artistic prowess, offering listeners a deep dive into the intersections of art, freedom, and identity. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or a fan of spoken word, this album promises a rich and engaging listening experience.