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Morocco’s position at the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Middle East has given rise to one of the world’s richest musical traditions. It was perhaps inevitable that the inquisitive artistry of tenor saxophonist and composer JD Allen would eventually lead him there. Drawn by the hypnotic pulse, spiritual depth and communal spirit of Gnawa music, Allen immersed himself in its rhythms, its people and, above all, its capacity to communicate profound emotion through remarkable musical economy. Those experiences became the catalyst for “SOWT.”
From his years with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers through decades leading Horizon, Bobby Watson has remained a vital force in contemporary jazz. Like Blakey before him, the acclaimed saxophonist, composer and educator has long embraced the responsibility of nurturing the next generation, welcoming fresh voices while remaining firmly rooted in the values of the music. Joined by longtime collaborators Curtis Lundy and Victor Jones, along with young talents Jordan Williams, Wallace Roney Jr. and Kysen Ellis, Watson once again demonstrates the artistic philosophy that has guided his remarkable career on the new disc, “Continuum.”
Also this week, Mike Conrad and the Iowa Jazz Composers Orchestra offer up their new project, “Our Harvest,” featuring pieces by Iowa composers Christopher Merz, Dan Padley, Bob Washut, Jon Snell, Bix Beiderbecke and Mr. Conrad; Michigan-based contemporary jazz ensemble Technocats continues its exploration of the compositions of Gregg Hill on “Passionata”; and L.A.-based saxophonist and composer Dennis Mitcheltree releases his eighth album of original music, “Seeing Red.”