Dive into the avant-garde world of Wadada Leo Smith with his latest release, "String Quartet No. 11, Movements 1-5." This captivating album, released on June 17, 2022, under TUM Records, is a testament to Smith's mastery of free jazz and avant-garde compositions. Spanning a duration of 55 minutes, this album is a journey through five intricate movements, each named after influential figures and themes that have shaped Smith's musical journey.
The album opens with "Movement 1 'Shaikh Cerno Boka'," a piece that sets the tone for the rest of the work, followed by "Movement 2 'Louis Armstrong'," a tribute to the legendary jazz musician. "Movement 3 'Sarah Bell Brown-Smith'" and "Movement 4 'Kashala Kiom Smith'" continue the narrative, each movement building on the last, culminating in "Movement 5 'At the Heart's Core, Knowledge'."
"String Quartet No. 11, Movements 1-5" is part of a larger collection, "String Quartets Nos. 1-12," a monumental seven-CD box set that showcases Smith's extensive work in the genre. The album is accompanied by a thirty-page booklet, providing deep insights into the composer's thoughts and the inspirations behind each piece. This release is a significant addition to Wadada Leo Smith's discography, offering a rich and immersive experience for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike.