Not In Our Name

"Not In Our Name," released in 2005, is a powerful and politically charged jazz album by legendary bassist Charlie Haden and his Liberation Music Orchestra. This is the fourth album from the ensemble, following a 15-year gap since their previous release, "Dream Keeper." The album is a direct response to the political climate of the time, particularly the outcome of the 2004 U.S. election and the policies of the Bush administration. Haden, known for his socially conscious music, uses this album as a platform to express his protest against the war in Iraq and the broader political landscape.

The album features a mix of original compositions and arrangements of well-known pieces, including Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" and the traditional hymn "Amazing Grace." The tracklist also includes a cover of "This Is Not America," originally from the soundtrack of the film "The Falcon and the Snowman." The music is a blend of jazz, free jazz, and cool jazz, showcasing the band's versatility and Haden's distinctive bass playing.

"Not In Our Name" is a testament to the power of instrumental music as a form of protest. It stands as a powerful statement against the political climate of its time, and a demonstration of the enduring relevance of jazz as a medium for social commentary. The album features a mix of original compositions and arrangements of well-known pieces, including Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" and the traditional hymn "Amazing Grace." The tracklist also includes a cover of "This Is Not America," originally from the soundtrack of the film "The Falcon and the Snowman." The music is a blend of jazz, free jazz, and cool jazz, showcasing the band's versatility and Haden's distinctive bass playing. The album was recorded in 2004 and released by Verve Records in 2005, with Charlie Haden and pianist Carla Bley at the helm of the Liberation Music Orchestra, which they founded in 1969.