LowCountry
Ropeadope, 2023, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 30.2
Jazz Ruler Type: R&B+Jazz
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 81
O’s Notes: Lowcountry is a reference to the marshlands of SC near Charlston, the entryway for most slave ships into the US. It is also the name of a vibrant band that includes Quentin E. Baxter (d) and Matt White (t). Vocals and narration come from Ron Daise, Gracie Gadsen, Joseph Murray, and Rosa Murray. Chris Potter (t-sax) is also featured on several songs. These are the stories that shouldn’t be “Forgotten Moments”, the lyrics of old slave songs that trace the history of African Americans. The mood is energetic on “Buzzard Lope”. The stories are heartfelt, as orated by surviving legacy residents. There are solemn gospel songs, and rich instrumental accompaniments from the Charleston symphony.
Publicist: Lydia Liebman Promotions