The Year of the Elephant by Wadada Leo Smith's Golden Quartet

01 Jun

Written by Lee Prosser
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THE YEAR OF THE ELEPHANT is an elegant blending of free jazz, contemporary jazz, and world music, with a touch of avant garde motifs. If you enjoy trumpet, you will discover that Wadada Leo Smith is one fine trumpet performer on this improvisational collection of 6, long and involved jazz creations.

The songs are "Al-Madinah," "Piru," "The Zamzam Well A Stream of a Pure Light," "Kangagroo's Hollow," "The Year of the Elephant," "Miles Star in 3 parts" which includes "Star/Seed" and "Blue Fire." Each song is unusual.

What intrigued me most about this collection was the unifying horn work of Smith, and how it served to bring all jazz themes together in an enjoyable form of expression. A fine collection, and a must-have for the fans of Wadada Leo Smith.

Fine solo work from each performer. "Piru" is a beauty, and Wadada Leo Smith is at his finest playing the theme.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Wadada Leo Smith's Golden Quartet
CD Title: The Year of the Elephant
Genre: Free Jazz / Avante Garde
Year Released: 2002
Record Label: Pi Recordings
Musicians: Wadada Leo Smith, leader, composer, trumpet, flugelhorn. Jack DeJohnette, drums & synthesizer. Malachi Favors Maghostut, bass. Anthony Davis, piano, synthesizer.
Label Website: http://www.pirecordings.com
Rating: Four Stars