JAVIER NERO JAZZ ORCHESTRA

ALKEBULAN

Outside In Music

The term “Alkebulan” is considered to be the original name of Africa.  It translates to “mother of mankind” and sometimes it’s translated as “the Garden of Eden.” According to the World Atlas, its origins are rooted in an indigenous language.  Alkebulan is purportedly the oldest name for Africa.

This becomes the first composition by Dr. Javier Nero that his Jazz Orchestra performs. Dr. Nero has composed all the music for this album, with the exception of two songs. One is “Softly as in a Morning Sunrise” featuring the vocals of Veronica Swift and another standard song, “Devil May Care.” On the first standard, James Collins is an awesome improviser on piano.  Warren Wolf, the new king of vibraphone, is amazing during his solo. Kyle Swan swings on the trap drums, moving with the groove and creatively accenting each stellar soloist.  Swan seems to feel every soulful mood change and he holds the orchestra in place like puzzle pieces solidified with super glue. Swift impressively becomes a human horn, and speaking of horns, Daniel Andrews thrills me with his saxophone solo.

Another of my favorites is Dr. Nero’s composition “Radiant Flower (Zara)” a song that is begging for lyrics.

This album twists and turns its way through cultural roots and exciting arrangements by Javier Nero. His melodies are warm and memorable.  His band members are the crème de la crème of the New York jazz community and beyond.

This is a sneak preview of an album scheduled for release on March 20, 2026. Drawing from the unified, precolonial, African civilization, “Alkebulan” explores themes of a cultural connection and shared ancestry. It expands the diasporic ideas Nero first introduced on his impressive big band debut, “Kemet (The Black Land).”   Nero often employs vocalists to interpret his work. On this album he featured Christie Dashiell, with her warm, wonderful tone.

Here is another album of music I will enjoy playing over-and-over again. It continues Dr. Javier Nero’s commitment to using music, along with an A-List of jazz musicians, and his own amazing compositions, as a unifying force to change the universe.

RHYTHM SECTION: Adam Moezinia & Michael Kramer, guitars; James Collins, piano; Kyle Swan, drums; Regan Brough, acoustic & electric bass; Kyle Athayde, vibraphone; Murph Aucamp & Fran Violma, percussion; Javier Nero & Danielle Wertz, voices. WOODWINDS: Daniel Andrews, lead alto & soprano saxophones; Daniel Dickinson, alto & soprano saxes/ flute/clarinet/ Xavier Perez, Clay Pritchard & Lucas Pino, tenor saxophones; Dustin Mallick, baritone saxophone/bass clarinet. TRUMPETS/FLUGELHORN: Josh Kauffman, (lead), Chris Burbank, Graham Breedlove, Kin McGee, Noah Hocker & Alec Aldred. TROMBONES: Javier Nero, (lead), Luke Brimhall, Aaron Eckert and Jake Kraft, bass trombone/tuba. SPECIAL GUESTS: Randy Brecker, trumpet; Sean Jones, trumpet/flugelhorn; Warren Wolf, vibraphone; Veronica Swift & Nicole Zuraitis, vocals; Shawn Purcell guitar; Nathan Skinner, malletSTATION.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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