Label: Onyx Records, 2021
Personnel - Ralph Peterson: drums, percussion; Luques Curtis: double bass; Zaccai Curtis: piano, keyboard; Jazzmeia Horn: vocals (#7,8,13); Eguie Castrillo: percussion (#6).
The recently deceased drummer/composer Ralph Peterson will be always remembered as a shrewd, confident player who was utterly expressive in the stories he intended to tell. Peterson died from cancer on March 1st, and Raise Up Off Me is an inspiring last album filled with optimism and empowering message. Most of the tracks here are explored in the trio format alongside two of his protégés, the brothers Zaccai and Luques Curtis on piano and bass, respectively. The trio, which had recorded Triangular III in 2016, is joined by special guests on specific tunes.
There are two dazzling originals at the top of the track list. Whereas the title cut denotes an optimum balance between relaxation and tension, reaching both spiritual and emotional states on occasion; “The Right to Live” is a post-bop number configured with untethered drum eruptions before earning a dancing quality in the B section that is hundred percent Brazilian. This is an influence that is also mirrored on “Fantasia Brazil”.
The acclaimed singer Jazzmeia Horn shines on three pieces: “Tears I Cannot Hide”, a Peterson ballad for which she wrote the lyrics; John Hicks/Betty Carter’s “Naima’s Love Song”, which gains a soft Latin touch while proceeding at a solid stride; and on her own “Please Do Something”, a lavishly and ferociously swinging ride where she’s seen at the peak of her vocal abilities. The latter tune appears as a bonus track on the LP and digital releases only
“Four Play” is an uptempo blues burner fetched from pianist James Williams’ 1984 album Alter Ego, whereas Bud Powell’s “Bouncing With Bud” features a lively, lilting brushwork from Peterson, who takes his buoyancy to a much softer level on Zaccai’s ballad “I Want To Be There With You”.
Definitely a highlight, and with the Puerto Rican percussionist Eguie Castrillo on board, “Blue Hughes” is conveniently accented according to the breezy calypso waves that propel it. Being subjected to a fresh arrangement here, this tune had been recorded in 1985 by the Blue Note Records-founded group OTB (Out of the Blue) of which Peterson was a rhythmic pillar in conjunction to the bassist Robert Hurst.
Peterson’s last goodbye exemplifies the empathetic force of his music and playing.
Grade B
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Raise Up Off Me ► 06 - Blue Hughes ► 13 - Please Do Something (bonus track)