“Choices” is Blanchard’s first release for the Concord label and can be seen as a successor to his previous release “A Tale Of God’s Will (Requiem For Katrina)”. The hurricane has had a profound effect on the creative output of American jazz musicians and the devastation wrought on his home city affected Blanchard more than most. Blanchard views “A Tale” as a reaction to the pain and destruction suffered by New Orleans but sees “Choices” as a “celebration of all that has survived and more.”

Appropriately the album was recorded in New Orleans itself the sessions taking place in the Patrick F. Taylor Library at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The chosen venue was chosen for it’s superb acoustics as well as it’s cultural and historic significance. Blanchard’s band includes regular associates Fabian Almazan (piano), Derrick Hodge (bass) and Kendrick Scott (drums). Walter Smith III comes into the group on saxophones and there are guest appearances from guitarist Lionel Loueke and vocalist Bilal but perhaps the most distinctive figure on the album apart from Blanchard himself is the writer, speaker and educator Dr. Cornel West. Dr. West’s words punctuate the music of the album but they have a far more profound effect than the self indulgent narrative to be found on Wynton Marsalis’ recent “He And She”. Blanchard’s record is much more of a political statement and West’s words complement the music rather than distracting from it. In time the listener may wish to reach for the skip button when listening to this record but as a spoken word/musical collaboration the album is a success and Dr. West is both eloquent and thought provoking. Much of the music is excellent too and whilst I’m sure Blanchard is heartily sick of comparisons with Marsalis as far as I’m concerned this album is an improvement on the superficially similar “He And She”. 

Dr. West’s words open “Byus” musing on intellectualism, the human condition and making the right life choices. The accompanying music is a kind of post bop with strong statements from Smith and Blanchard. The trumpeter is an agile performer who has absorbed the legacy of the great jazz trumpeters Brown, Hubbard, Gillespie, Davis etc. and he is capable of conveying considerable emotion, it’s not all about having great chops. Almazan shows up well too as does Loueke but the guitarist’s solo is faded out before he really gets going.

“Beethoven” is West’s brief take on the meaning of music and is followed by the languid ballad “D’s Choice” with bassist Hodge a prominent voice. In the latter stages of the piece West’s voice is incorporated in to the music as he muses on recent American history including the Reagan era.

“Journey” is a song featuring the voice of Bilal, recently heard on projects by pianist Robert Glasper. Bilal’s presence adds a contemporary touch to the record but this epic ballad does tend to become a little laboured. Blanchard’s richly sensual trumpet provides the best moments here.

“Hacia del Aire” dispenses with the lyrics and is achingly beautiful and elegiac, a real highlight. Initially the tune seems to shimmer on the horizon and features wonderfully lyrical playing from Blanchard and Almazan with Smith entering the proceedings as the tune builds in intensity. Scott and Hodge offer empathic support and Loueke features on the gentle coda.

“Jazz Man In The World Of Ideas”  sees West musing on the importance of establishing one’s own voice and identity in the jazz world. The following “Him Or Me” is a sturdy slice of hard bop with strong solos from Blanchard, Smith and Loueke above a driving rhythm section.

“Choices” itself begins by incorporating West’s words into the music. The tune itself is another simmering, epic ballad that hints at Blanchard’s involvement with film music. Tracks such as this and “Hacia del Aire” have a real story telling quality about them. Blanchard’s playing here is excellent , pure and full of emotion with superb support from the rest of the group.

The title of “HUGS” (Historically Under-represented Groups) makes it clear that this is a political album even before you hear it. The music itself is powerful and dramatic with Blanchard’s passionate playing to the fore. Scott’s powerful performance behind the drums is also impressive.

“Winding Roads” is the album’s magnum opus opening with Dr. West’s thoughts on various forms of spirituality. The music exhibits the same kind of slow burning intensity common to many of the other pieces with memorable solos from Smith and Blanchard. The piece is concluded by more thoughts from Dr. West, this time without musical accompaniment. It’s the first time he really overstays his welcome.

“When Will You Call” is another song featuring the voice of Bilal. It’s a soul ballad and whilst there’s no doubt that the singer gives a powerful and emotional performance the piece seems out of context with the rest of the album. Blanchard’s brief trumpet feature is the main feature of interest for jazz fans. Overall this piece does little for me.

The spoken word"A New Note” looks back at the history of slavery and oppression but welcomes the “age of Obama” on a cautious note. The new sense of optimism is encapsulated in the urgency and joyousness of the music on the excellent “A New World”. Blanchard hits some stunning high notes and the rhythm section is practically sizzling. Loueke’s also makes a distinctive contribution, his choppy chording adds much to the atmosphere of the tune.

“Touched By An Angel” is another of the ballads Blanchard does so well and features lyrical solos from Almazan and Blanchard. Bilal’s wordless vocals evoke a sense of grandeur and West intones a few words at the end in a kind of epilogue.

The tantalisingly brief “Robin’s Choice” concludes the album on an upbeat note as Blanchard and Smith temporarily lock horns accompanied by an effervescent rhythm section.

“Choices” is a hugely ambitious record and a powerful political statement. In these terms it is a success but inevitably the impact of the spoken words will begin to pall on future listenings and in time they will just become an irritant for the average listener. This is the insurmountable problem that faces all such “concept” albums.

That said this is a better example of the genre than most. Dr. West has some genuinely interesting things to say and the standard of the playing is terrific throughout. A brave, if inevitably flawed, album.

blog comments powered by Disqus