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Joshua Redman’s Blue Note debut is a unique collaboration with a vocalist, marking the first time the saxophonist has recorded under his own name in this way. Each track on the album represents a different U.S. location, encompassing a wide range of repertoire, from classic covers to the works of Bruce Springsteen and John Coltrane. The album showcases Redman’s technical prowess, broad stylistic references, and subtle, bittersweet moods. The theme explores both the joy of gathering and the anguish experienced when people are unjustly separated.
The album opens with a captivating rendition of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land” transformed into a powerful showcase for Redman’s unaccompanied tenor sax. As Redman’s high tones fade, vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa enters, exhibiting confidence and control. The track “After Minneapolis (face toward mo[u]rning)” transitions from despair at political impotence to the first glimmers of hope.
Redman adds new lyrics and elements of Thelonious Monk’s “San Francisco Holiday (Worry Later)” to his version of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. The album’s tempo and mood fluctuate, but the saxophone and vocals harmonize and intertwine beautifully, complemented by Joe Sanders’ steady walking bass. “That’s New England” follows a similar structure, incorporating excerpts from Charles Ives and James Sinclair’s “Three Places In New England”.
The majority of the album consists of reworked cover songs. A lively rendition of “Stars Fell on Alabama” is juxtaposed with a captivating version of Coltrane’s “Alabama”, inspired by incidents of racial violence. Vibraphonist Joel Ross enhances the nuanced emotions of “Chicago Blues” with the addition of a female lead voice. The intensity of Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia” is amplified by guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel’s technical flair.
Redman’s band also captures the essence of different locations. Trumpeter Nicholas Payton engages in musical dialogue with Redman’s saxophone to evoke the spirit of New Orleans, while the urbane swing of Peter Bernstein’s guitar represents Manhattan. On the track “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, vocals and saxophone intertwine and soar over Brian Blade’s impeccable drumming.
★★★★☆
‘Where Are We’ is released by Blue Note. Joshua Redman will be performing at the Barbican on November 12 as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk
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