SEXTET

PITCH, RHYTHM AND CONSCIOUSNESS

Reva Records

Charlie Burnham, violin/vocals/composer; Tony Jones & Jessica Jones, tenor saxophone/ composers; Kenny Wollesen, drums/percussion; Marika Hughes, cello; Rashaan Carter, bass.

SEXTET is a group of friends founded by tenor saxophonist Tony Jones and violinist, Charlie Burnham.  The title of this album pretty much explains their purpose in music and life: “Pitch, Rhythm and Consciousness.”  In preparation for this recording, Burnham researched a variety of religious and spiritual texts.

“I wanted the texts to be singable, and I also wanted them to be ideas that somebody walking down the street could relate to.  I don’t think you need to be a Buddhist or a Christian to relate to what’s being said.  It’s essentially spiritual advice that’s given in street terms,” Charlie Burnham explained his concept.

For example, the opening song is called “I Shall Not Want” and uses the 23^rd Psalm for a lyric.  Sung by Burnham, his violin plays a melody similar to ‘Summertime’ as an introduction, before his vocals improvise a melody for Psalm 23. The tenor saxophone moans its musical message beneath Burnham’s strong vocal presentation. Kenny Wollesen’s drums slap a rhythm into place. It cements the groove. I was captivated by this opening tune and played it twice.

SEXTET follows this with another Burnham original composition, “The Beginning of the Universe.”  This tune also incorporates inspirational lyrics that revolve around the concept of ‘freedom.’  They reference freedom from fear. It echoes from Burnham’s song. The bass line of Rashaan Carter holds the arrangement together like a needle and thread.

“…Keep your mouth shut …always be busy …  and life is always full,” Burnham sings and advises.

This is an ongoing, purposeful music ensemble who have recorded before, reaching out to the world in 2019 with their recording on Rare Earth Vibration Association (REVA records) with songs like “Gone.”

On “Tiny Little Inkling” Burnham begins by plucking the violin like a fiddle.  Kenny Wollesen improvises on his percussive instruments. He and the violin create a wild dance, intertwining their individual rhythms like lovers. “A tune called “Fundamental Blue” feature Tony & Jessica Jones with an improvised saxophone duet.

The big, bad bass of Rashaan Carter introduces us to “Trouble.” When Charlie Burnham marches center stage, his violin energy flies like fireworks. Then Carter takes over once again on double bass with a dynamic solo. They end the journey as a ‘trio’ with Wollesen on drums.

“This herein Goes Nowhere” features the cello talents of Marika Hughes. “Psalm for a Shared Tomorrow” reminds me a lot of something Thelonious Monk could have composed.  Kenny Wollesen soaks up the spotlight, playing solo improvisation and showing all his drum skills on the two-minute tune, “Shadow Box.” The final tune warns us, “Prepare a Refuge.”  Burnham sings again to the “…unwise who do not know the truth.”

I found a duo recording of Charlie Burnham and Marika Hughes recorded during the COVID epidemic.  They recorded it outside in a park area, sending their message into the universe.

This is a group of veteran musicians, composers and improvisers, joined together by fate and talent, with intent to elevate our consciousness and inspire our spiritual side.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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