Smith, Ches
Pyroclastic, 2021, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 27.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Pop+Jazz
Performance: 3
Sound: 4
Score: 80
O’s Notes: Drummer and composer Ches Smith and his band We All Break put together a masterful collection of African rhythms, traditional Haitian vodou, and jazz with mixed vocal lyrics in Haitian Creole. Essential English translations in the liner notes bring the messages to life, stark realities of our neighboring country, expressed with music. Sirene Dantor Rene’s voice is beautiful fluttering with the Matt Mitchell’s piano on “Leaves Arrive”. The natural percussive vibe comes from master drummers Daniel Brevil, Markus Schwartz and Fanfan Jean Guy Rene. We enjoyed “Women of Iron” and a taste of wilderness on “Path of Seven Colors”. Miguel Zenón (a-sax) and Nick Dunston (b) round out the band for Path of Seven Colors. The package includes a bonus disc with seven percussive instrumentals featuring We All Break 2015.
Publicist: Braithwaite & Katz
