Description

2LP Vinyl – JV 33570040.41

On Jamal’s newest release, Blue Moon: The New York Session, he stretches the approach. Like modern-day disciple Robert Glasper, he lets vamps undulate and linger, with climaxes arriving in such intuitive crests that bathos isn’t a risk. A 10-minute rendition of “Blue Moon” revolves around a signature left-handed pattern, with the melody only appearing after an expansive haze has overtaken the listener (and even then, only in snatches and shards). “Woody ‘n You,” though half the duration, employs the same tack, also to hypnotic effect. Jamal believes in the natural power of perpetual invention to unleash Dionysian bliss, so long as you give things some oxygen and some time. He invests trust and compassion in his band-bassist Reginald Veal, drummer Herlin Riley and percussionist Manolo Badrena-which functions as a drum circle as much as a straight-ahead combo.