Saturday, June 4, 2011

Vincent Herring and the Earth Jazz Agents, Max Wild Band



VINCENT HERRING - SAXES, ANTHONY WONSEY - PIANO, RICHIE GOODS - BASS, JORIS DUDLI - DRUMS
Classy, funky jazz at its finest from Cannonball Adderley influenced hard-bop saxophonist Herring and his superb band, featuring pianist Anthony Wonsey, bassist Richard Goods and drummer Joris Dudli. Expect funky, danceable jazz referencing Herbie Hancock and early David Sanborn, as heard on their fine recent album Morning Star.
Support from Max Wild's band feat.
Max Wild: saxophone Josh Meck: vocals, bass Jesse Lewis: guitarSoren Moller: keys Clive Mutyasira: drums
  German-born, Zimbabwean-raised Saxophone innovator Max Wild has been a forerunner on the Afro-jazz scene in New York since commanding international attention with his ObliqSound release Tambain 2010. With credentials that range from performing with Grammy-nominated jazz tenorist Mark Turner to recording with Afropop icon Oliver Mtukudzi, Wild masterfully fuses the rhythmic and melodic traditions of southern Africa with the sophisticated harmonies and inspired interactivity at the core of jazz.
Backed by the powerful groove of an all-star lineup from Zimbabwe and New York, Wild captivates audiences with energy-packed songs that span continents with a collision of African, jazz, and rock genres.   Wild considers his musical path to be a direct reflection of his multi-cultural upbringing. Born to German parents, Wild grew up in Zimbabwe, where, exposed to sunshine and good spirits, he was surrounded by the sounds of local African music.
Picking up the saxophone at 12, Wild became interested in Jazz, and later moved to London and then New York to perfect his craft. Wild’s life story is reflected in Tamba, notes the album’s producer Michele Locatelli. “He’s a great musical innovator and bandleader. Tambafirst hits you with the groove and then the narrative follows.”  Each of the 10 tracks onTamba shines a spotlight on the individual musicians and singers, and even the instrumentals convey tales of significance to Wild.
Setting dance floors ablaze with his electrifying stage performance, feel-good melodies, and infectious dance grooves, Wild continues to pioneer his unique approach to music-making, turning heads wherever he goes.
"Creating a successful fusion of pop jazz and rootsy African music is tricky. Max Wild […] takes on this challenge with determination, chops and unwavering commitment, and the result is a rather remarkable recording."
Banning Eyre, Afropop.org

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