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Henry Franklin: All God's Children
Characterized by modal music (compositions and improvisations based on a series of modes, rather than chord progressions) with strong African and Islamic themesunderpinned by the newly emerging political sentiments of the black power/black nationalist movementall the tunes on All God's Children are marked by a deep sense of spirituality. Percussion is dominant throughout as one tune blends into the next, breaking up the searching John Coltrane-like saxophone stylings of Michael Session and Zane Musa. The high-pitched singing and squeals of Talita Long on "Follow Your Bliss" especially, led off by an Islamic prayer, add a touch of the avant-garde to the mix. Franklin's bass provides the rock-solid support holding everything together.
Fans of the music of saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, Shepp, LA's Dwight Trible, and the latest percussion-heavy works of the Art Ensemble of Chicago will especially love this excellent album. Although All God's Children may be hard to find, the search will be well worth it. It's one of the best albums of 2005.
Track Listing
Reverence; Illusion; Follow Your Bliss; Unattachment; Mambo Bado; Tongues Untied.
Personnel
Henry Franklin
bassHenry Franklin: bass; Carl Burnett, Big Black: drums; Theo Saunders: piano; Mark Waggoner: guitar; Michael Session: tenor saxophone; Zane Musa: alto saxophone; Talita Long, Pete Mhunzi, Michael Mhagama, Paul Sumbi: vocals.
Album information
Title: All God's Children | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Skipper Productions