America's National Parks

Album Description

"America's National Parks" is a sprawling, six-movement suite by the visionary composer and trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith, released in 2016 on Cuneiform Records. This ambitious double album is a testament to Smith's unique voice in the realms of free jazz and avant-garde, offering a profound exploration of America's natural landscapes through music.

The album is a journey through time and space, with each track dedicated to a different national park or natural landmark. From the ancient Mississippi River to the towering sequoias of California, and from the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the glacial valleys of Yosemite, Smith and his Golden Quintet capture the essence of these iconic locations. The suite is a blend of intricate compositions and improvisational brilliance, showcasing the ensemble's technical prowess and deep musical connection.

The album's duration of 1 hour and 36 minutes allows for a comprehensive exploration of each location, with each movement offering a unique sonic landscape. The compositions are as varied as the parks they represent, ranging from the haunting and introspective to the exhilarating and triumphant. Throughout, Smith's trumpet soars and weaves, accompanied by the rhythmic complexity and harmonic richness of his quintet.

"America's National Parks" is not just an album; it's an experience, a sonic exploration of America's natural wonders. It's a testament to Wadada Leo Smith's artistry and his ability to translate the grandeur of nature into music. Whether you're a fan of jazz, an admirer of the great outdoors, or simply a lover of beautiful music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

14 oktober 2016

2016 Cuneiform Records

About Wadada Leo Smith

Wadada Leo Smith is a pioneering figure in the world of creative music, renowned for his innovative approach to jazz and his profound compositions. As a trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, Smith's work is characterized by its structural inventiveness and emotional depth. Born and raised in the United States, Smith's musical journey began in his high school band, where he discovered his passion for composition. His contributions to the avant-garde and free jazz genres have been groundbreaking, earning him recognition as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2013 for his monumental work "Ten Freedom Summers." Smith's music is not just about the notes; it's a testament to his humanistic and political beliefs, often reflecting his deep commitment to social and collective action. Whether through his expressive trumpet work or his thoughtful compositions, Wadada Leo Smith continues to inspire and challenge audiences with his unique vision and unwavering dedication to his art.