“In many respects this entire work is inspired by and is an homage to the work of the composer Julius Eastman and his organic music concept.” — Ambrose Akinmusire
Jazz free to stretch out into both classical and hip hop directions is free jazz indeed. That’s the freedom explored on honey from a winter stone, the eighth album (and second for Nonesuch) from avant-garde composer and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire.
Born and raised in Oakland, Akinmusire over the years studied under jazz greats Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Terence Blanchard, and Steve Coleman. Now an esteemed and beloved artist in his own right, he brings to this latest album a troop of accomplished performers to bring his vast vision to life. The 13-minute “Owled,” as one example, begins and ends with purely chamber strings of the Mivos Quartet. Finally, at the four-minute mark, a deep synth bass. Then the bold, cascading rappings of Kokayi over Justin Brown’s tight but subdued drum breaks. And on and on the piece evolves, with Akinmusire’s trumpet only arriving haunted in the final few minutes, before giving away once more to the quartet.
For straight-ahead jazz lovers, “Bloomed” might be the most accessible piece here (and at seven-and-a-half minutes, it’s also the shortest). In contrast, the epic half-hour long closing piece “s-/Kinfolks” is a journey, asking for more than your full attention. In its entirety, this album is a good one for seekers of deep listening experiences.
