Search - Sean Jones :: Roots

Glorious sanctified jazz

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 09/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We're deep in Church here, right from the opening track, a solo trumpet rendition of that old children's chestnut, "Jesus Loves Me, This I Know." Quite effective, actually, and even touching for its heartfelt yet unsentimental straightforwardness. All told, nine of the thirteen selections have a Gospel theme. It's clear where Sean Jones comes from.



Of course, it's not that uncommon for jazzers, bluesmen, and soul singers to have gotten their start in Church. And there is no shortage of Gospel-tinged jazz discs out there. One thinks, recently, of Ramsey Lewis's With One Voice, Cyrus Chestnut's You Are My Sunshine, and Larry Willis's wonderful Sanctuary, all worth picking up.



I believe Roots, Sean Jones's third disc as leader, marks a big advance for him. He seems absolutely at home playing this music, which he does with sincerity and sans irony. This is a jazzman perfectly at home with his religious upbringing, without the slightest bit of alienation or resentment. His basic band--Orrin Evans, piano; Luques Curtis, acoustic bass; and Jerome Jennings, drums--cooks up a quiet storm, expertly locking into the sanctified vibe and providing plenty of support for the leader's increasingly accomplished soloing.



My only misgiving is Tia Fuller, who plays alto sax on several numbers with a tonal conception probably never heard before in the history of jazz, making her horn sound like a soprano with a bad cold. Not entirely unpleasant, and, despite the odd sound, her intonation is spot on, and her doubling and ensemble playing is very accomplished. Nevertheless, I suggest she seek a less grating timbre. Her flute playing, on the other hand, cannot be gainsaid. Perhaps she should seriously consider concentrating on that instrument.



All in all, this is a very strong outing, and easily recommended to anyone who, like me, has a soft spot in their heart for this kind of thing."