Samara Joy (see podcast and earlier post) also appears on New Standards Vol 1 on the track 'Two Hearts (Lawns)' drawing on a Carla Bley composition that appeared on the 1987 Watt release Sextet and so too, a significant influence on Joy, does Dianne Reeves, the latter with Ravi Coltrane and Terri Lyn Carrington on 'Moments'.
A very ambitious laudable attempt at gaining higher profile for female composers in the US - a companion sheet music collection of standards accompanies the project.
The album itself has 11 songs from the book and is stuffed full of starry guests. 'Rounds' with Ambrose Akinmusire is the best kept to last when the looser context suits all the players. Very good too are the tracks with flautist Elena Pinderhughes ('Wind Flower,' 'Uplifted Heart' and 'Respected Destroyer').
The blend of horns and flute on the 'Respected Destroyer' track written by Brandee Younger is a breath of fresh air. Pinderhughes' solo is worth getting the track for alone. The titanic ''jazz backbeat'' from Carrington within the drummer's overarching concept is a considerable strength, the whole thing drawing on a Blanchard-esque hard bop feel. A must for everyone interested in new female composer writing. Terri Lyne Carrington, top. Photo: press shot
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