Celestial Weather

"Celestial Weather" is a captivating journey into the avant-garde jazz realm, masterfully crafted by the legendary Wadada Leo Smith. Released on December 8, 2017, via TUM Records, this album is a testament to Smith's innovative spirit and his enduring collaboration with bassist John Lindberg. Spanning a total of 62 minutes, the record is a duo outing that showcases the intricate interplay between Smith's trumpet and Lindberg's bass, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply resonant.

The album opens with two parts of "A Monarch of Creative Music," setting the stage for the celestial journey that follows. The centerpiece of the album is the "Celestial Weather Suite," a five-part exploration of natural phenomena that demonstrates the duo's ability to convey complex ideas through music. Each movement—"Cyclone," "Hurricane," "Icy Fog," "Typhoon," and "Tornado"—paints a vivid sonic landscape, drawing the listener in with its dynamic range and textural depth.

The album concludes with "Feathers and Earth," a two-part composition that brings the celestial journey back down to earth, grounding the abstract explorations in a more tangible, earthly context. Throughout "Celestial Weather," Wadada Leo Smith and John Lindberg push the boundaries of free jazz and avant-garde music, creating a record that is as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable. This album is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring legacy of Wadada Leo Smith as a pioneer in the world of jazz.

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.