Ches Smith Runs the Vodou Down downbeat.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from downbeat.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
(Pyroclastic Records)
A tour de force . Ches Smith (bottom centre) and We All Break. Photograph: Mimi Chakarova
A tour de force . Ches Smith (bottom centre) and We All Break. Photograph: Mimi Chakarova
Fri 21 May 2021 04.00 EDT
Hereâs the album that shows just why the nondescript term âdrummerâ doesnât get near the chemistry of earworm hooks, sharp-end jazz innovation and global-musical openness of New York percussionist/composer Ches Smith. With saxophonist Tim Berne (a big compositional influence), John Zorn, violist Mat Maneri and many others, Smith has blossomed from skilful sideman to the collaborative original behind this exhilarating set â drawing on his devoted study of Haitiâs Vodou musical traditions with New Yorkâs Haitian-American community, and in empathic hybrid lineups joining Haitian performers and jazz-rooted improvisers.