LAKECIA BENJAMIN

WE DREAM

Artwork Records

Lakecia Benjamin, alto saxophone/vocals/spoken word/composer.

On this, Lakecia Benjamin’s sixth album release on Artwork Record label, she continues to grow and expand her vision into a bold, collaborative statement.  Joined by some of the makers and shakers of this current jazz community, she stretches her imagination and creativity forward in magnificent ways.

Opening with her original composition called “First Light” she shares an original poem, mouthing the spoken word with emotional conviction over the horn solo of Terence Blanchard. This introductory tune with poetry, melts into the second cut on this album.  It too is composed by Benjamin and takes me back to the Coltrane days.  The arrangement and energy are reminiscent of the mid-1950s.  I quickly fell in love with this song and Lakecia’s wonderful interpretation of it. Oscar Perez and Chris Rob are dynamic on electric pianos.

Her album “We Dream” carries the hope of being an inspiration and bright light in the dark space we sometimes find ourselves trapped inside.  On Track #2, trumpeter Sean Jones has leant his composition “My Only” to the mix. There’s a hip hop vibe at the introduction, a harmonic horn section that introduces the melody, and then his solo bursts onto the scene like an incredible sunrise.  Sean is a master of both trumpet and flugelhorn.  His projection of Lakecia Benjamin’s composition is stunning.  This tune and arrangement show Benjamin’s strong contemporary jazz side.

Each of Lakecia’s original songs sets a tone and mood that is strongly her own.  “Mi Gente” is one such composition.  It once again blends her 21^st century contemporary jazz spirit with the traditional jazz of the 1950s and 60s.  This time she features Chief Xian Atunde Adjuah on trumpet.  After she sets the bar so high, I wonder if the next soloist can climb to her status.  Her special guest has no problem making that ascension.  Chief Xian’s trumpet is king!

Speaking of rising high, her song “Ascension” opens with her poetry once again.  She says she is looking for the shape of peace.   All her messages of spoken word are positive and uplifting, like her music. This is an album I will treasure for years to come. It may be one of her best recordings to date.

LAKECIA BENJAMIN BAND: Negah Santos, percussion; Joe Blaxx, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Jerome Jennings & Jonathan Barber, drums; Jahmal Nichols, & Richie Goods, bass; Chris Rob Piano/organ/synth; Miki Hayama, sunth/organ; Oscar Perz, piano/Fender Rhodes; Lessie Vonner, trumpet; FEATURED GUESTS: Teremce Blanchard & Chief Xiam Atimde Adjuah, trumpet; Sean Jones, trumpet/flugelhorn; Hiromi, piano; Chris Potter, tenor saxophone; Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball, vocals/poetry; Bilal, vocals; Kassa Overall, rap.   

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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