Search - James Spaulding :: Songs of Courage

Couragous

Douglas T Martin | Alpharetta, GA USA | 02/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On his earlier recording "Gotstabe a Better Way", James Spaulding recorded a number of songs from his suite "Song of Courage". On "Song of Courage", Spaulding records the title track - a swinging number with a vaguely Middle-Eastern melody - with a sextet of rock-solid musicians. Tenor saxophonist Roland Alexander contributes "Cabu", "Judy", and "King" while trombonist and former James Brown musical director Tyrone Jefferson brings the calypso-sounding "Black Market" to the session. James Spaulding, a master composer in his own right, contributes two songs: the title track and "Uhuru Sasa" (Swahili for "Freedom Now"). The program is rounded out by the standards "Wee" (taken at a very brisk clip), Elmo Hope's "Minor Bertha" and "Autumn Leaves". As with any James Spaulding recording his alto sax is sharp and quick, his flute lyrical and melodic. Reviewing a James Spaulding recording is tough - there's nothing to complain about and all the words of praise get used up too quickly. Another recording worth searching for. Line up: James Spaulding - alto sax & flute; Roland Alexander - tenor sax; Tyrone Jefferson - trombone; Kenny Barron - piano; Ray Drummond - bass; Louis Hayes - drums."