Sly5thAve's Marvelous Akuma

Akuma (Truth Revolution Records) is the debut recording of Sly5thAve (aka Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II). The release of Akuma comes as the Nigerian born, New York- based saxophonist came off a national tour with Prince. Based in New York, Akuma represents an effort the synthesize his Nigerian roots with jazz, soul and global music for an impressive debut displaying considerable maturity in his compositions, arrangements and his playing.

The core band includes Sly5thAve (Sax); Ross Pederson (Drums); Daniel Foose (Bass); Hajime Yoshida (Electric Guitar); Keita Ogawa (Percussion); and Jay Jennings (Trumpet). Appearing on various selections include Brad Williams (Acoustic Guitar and producer of the recording); Cory Henry (of Snarky Puppy on Piano and Wurlitzer) Phil Lassiter (Trumpet); John Leadbetter (Flute), Zach Brock (Violin), Denitia Odigie (voice).

The performances of Sly5thAve’s compositions bring together a memorable melodic lines, charged rhythm sections, intriguing horn voicing, thoughtful, often energetic solos throughout and a marvelous display of dynamics throughout. The opening three part Suite For Ogbuefi includes a wonderful solo from guitarist Yoshida the builds in intensity before the leader teaks over with some forceful playing that takes the performance up a notch. With Henry’s marvelous playing on the Wurlitzer, and Foose a solid anchor one can appreciate the imaginative coloring that Pederson adds here.

The title track displays some of the leader’s African roots in its theme and the rhythmic core of it. Leadbetter’s flute is added for musical coloring while Jennings takes the initial solo with some bright, interesting playing that suggests a definite familiarity with the likes of Woody Shaw and Freddie Hubbard. “Bach” opens with the leader playing unaccompanied before the ensemble enters playing very lightly under Brock’s hot, soaring violin that segues into a nice trumpet. Security has a lively, danceable groove and a strong piano solo. Deme features lovely voice and showcases Yoshida’s fleet playing.

Road to Abuja is a percussive introduction to Abuja with its its mix of propulsive percussive rhythms, and unison horn passages to frame the solos by Yoshida’s single note playing; and conversational, explosive, interplay between Sly5thAve and Jennings. It is an understatement to say Akuma is an auspicious debut given the strong and memorable playing that will leave a strong impression on listeners. It is a marvelous and very contemporary recording.

I received my copy from a publicist. Here is a video trailer for this release.

The Barbecue Swingers Live Display Kermit Ruffins' Joyful Jazz

The HBO show Tremé probably introduced Kermit Ruffins to many folk. I have been following him since he was with Rebirth Brass Band, and he is always a treat to see and hear perform. Basin Street Records has just issued a new CD by him, Happy Talk, which I can’t wait to hear. Last year Basin Street released his delightful Christmas album, Have a Crazy Cool Christmas that included wonderful renditions of Christmas standards along with his love song to New Orleans Football team, A Saints Christmas, which received heavy play as the Saints made their Super Bowl run. Another favorite Kermit Ruffins CD for me is Live at Vaughan's. Anyway, the following review of a live recording appeared in the July/August 1998 Jazz & Blues Report (issue 233). This should still be readily available. Basin Street Records website is http://www.BasinStreetRecords.com/ and it can be ordered there or at other sources like the Louisiana Music Factory. Since leaving the Rebirth Brass Band, trumpeter Kermit Ruffins has emerged among the most entertaining personalities on New Orleans’ music scene with the ebullience of his vocals and trumpet. In addition to his small combo, the Barbecue Swingers, heard on this new album, The Barbecue Swingers Live (Basin Street Records) he also leads a big band that is developing quite a reputation in the Crescent City. The Barbecue Swingers include Corey Henry’s trombone (and rap), Emile Vinette’s piano, Kevin Morris’ bass and Jerry Anderson’s drums. They lay down tasty grooves rooted in the hot swing of the great Louis Armstrong (the most obvious influence on Ruffins) with some bop, brass band, funk and even rap embellishments. So Ruffins mixes in tasty swing on his original Smokin’ With Some Barbecue, sings an amiable St. James Infirmity and mixes in some second-line funk for Do the Fat Tuesday. What is New Orleans has a charming spoken rap by Kermit about the various charms of the Crescent City from various types of gumbo to the Treme Music Hall and Tipitina’s, while trombonist Henry raps in the more contemporary fashion on Peep This Groove Out. Ruffins plays particularly nice on the Roberta Flack classic ballad, Killing Me Softly With His Song, followed by the street-wise grooves of Rebirth’s Do Watcha Wanna. Kermit Ruffins may not be setting out new musical directions, but their particular synthesis of the jazz tradition is a lively one that will have you feeling things are getting better.