August, Gregg
Iacuessa, 2020, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 26.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 81
O’s Notes: Bassist and composer Gregg August is a prominent member of JD Allen’s trio but he flips the script here taking the leadership role and incorporating Allen (t-sax) in a 12 piece ensemble including John Ellis (s-sax), Frank Lacy (vocals), Luis Perdomo (p), rich strings and multiple vocalists. Dialogues On Race includes both instrumental juxtapositions and spoken word on race relations. The instrumentation is excellent with solos coming from all directions. Lyrics are based on historic poems by Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Richard Katrovas and others. Among the best are “Mother Mamie’s Reflections” with Emmett Till’s mother reciting the spoken word, “Sweet Words on Race” and “The Bird Leaps”. Moods range from anger, pain and sorrow to hope and joy. The “Blues Finale” is a possible path forward blessed with hope for a better future.
Publicist: Fully Altered Media