Wadada Leo Smith, the renowned trumpeter, composer, and educator, concludes his prolific 2021 with the ambitious four-disc collection "The Chicago Symphonies," released on November 19, 2021, under TUM Records. This extraordinary project is a celebration of Chicago and the rich cultural contributions of the Midwest, presented through the lens of free jazz and avant-garde genres.
"The Chicago Symphony - Sapphire Symphony" is the fourth and final installment of this collection, featuring Wadada Leo Smith's Great Lakes Quartet in a unique configuration with saxophonist Jonathon Haffner, bassist John Lindberg, and drummer Jack DeJohnette. The album is a single, continuous piece divided into five movements, each titled "Sapphire," and spans nearly 50 minutes of intricate and captivating music.
Smith's compositional prowess shines through in this symphony, which is dedicated to the presidents and their visions of America. The album offers a blend of haunting melodies, urgent horn bleats, and virtuosic solos, showcasing the exceptional chemistry and musicianship of the quartet. The second movement features a notable Ornette Coleman-esque lyricism, while the first movement of the "Diamond Symphony" pays a spacious, haunting tribute to the historic vanguard trio Air, in which Henry Threadgill, who appears on the other three symphonies, once played.
This album is a testament to Wadada Leo Smith's enduring influence and innovation in the world of creative music. It offers listeners a profound exploration of the intersection between jazz, avant-garde, and the cultural heritage of the Midwest.
Vinylscout