Highnote
1999
Works On Canvas
About This Album
As a performer, Blackman has been known for working with Lenny Kravitz, but as a jazz drummer/composer, she's asserting herself with each passing shot. Again utilizing a tenor sax (J.D. Allen) and rhythm section format, she's carving out a niche in the modern mainstream and fusion areas of instrumental music, showing the promise of a Tony Williams protégé to the hilt. An equal partner in this endeavor is the criminally underrated Rodney Holmes, whose outstanding piano and keyboard work sets a definite artistic tone. Peppered in here and there is Blackman's three-part, Mwandishi-like prelude/suite "The Three Van Goghs," all upbeat, free and bopping, with Holmes' Fender Rhodes and synth deliciously inviting. Another galactic swinger with siren synth voices, "Spanish Colored Romance," is more rooted and centered. Blackman also penned "Ballad Like" and "Sword of the Painter," the former an ethereal, relaxed swinger with heavy modal piano, the latter with a long introductory drum solo leading to an inexorable, behemoth four-note ostinato head with Allen's snarling tenor. Holmes contributed two pieces: "My Isha" is a straight bopper with a tiny melody and smaller bridge which collapses into brief free-for-all bashes, with everyone taking turns; and "Beautiful World" has a bit brighter, easier swing, with Blackman impatiently (like Williams) doubling the time under the piano solo.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,4,5,8,10 and 11)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

 
report abuse