Label: Edition Records, 2021
Personnel - Jaleel Shaw: alto saxophone; Jon Cowherd: keys; Brad Allen Williams: guitar; Fima Ephrom: electric bass; Nate Smith: drums // Guests - Vernon Reid: guitar; Kokayi: vocals; Regina Carter: violin; Brittany Howard: vocals; Joel Ross: vibraphone; Amma Whatt: vocals; Stokley: vocals.
The second installment of the Kinfolk trilogy by Nate Smith - a two-time Grammy nominee who played with Dave Holland, Chris Potter and Pat Metheny - demonstrates his abilities behind the drum kit and his penchant for compositions that are versatile and eclectic. For Kinfolk 2: See the Birds, he hooks up with altoist Jaleel Shaw, keyboardist Jon Cowherd, electric bassist Fima Ephrom and guitarist Brad Allen Williams - and invites a few guest artists to further color the material.
The soaring blitheness of “Attitude” is substantiated by an additive {3+5} metric and resourceful solos from Cowherd and two guests: the vibraphonist Joel Ross and the vocalist Michael Mayo. Both latter musicians are also featured on “See the Birds”, which effectively blends R&B and jazz idioms.
The multifaceted rapper Kokayi, who boasts past collaborations with trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and saxophonist Steve Coleman, contributes to two pieces steeped in hip-hop. On “Square Wheel”, which veers to a suave R&B atmosphere on the chorus (with vocals by Mayo) and then to a ripe jazz-funk (over which Shaw flies high), he has the support of Smith’s slick odd-meter beat and Williams’ brash guitar, whereas on “Band Room”, he engages in a freestyle rap with nerve and confidence.
An undeniable highlight is “Rambo: The Vigilante”, which, dabbling in a powerful hard rock, features fiery guest guitar by Living Colour’s Vernon Reid. An expedite beat-making by Smith and another kinetic improvisation by Shaw do the rest.
“Street Lamp” seems like a crossing between the indie-rock of Courtney Bartnett and the smooth post-bop of Marquis Hill; on “Collision”, the violinist Regina Carter is in full command of the melody; and “Fly (for Mike)”, featuring the former frontman of Alabama Shakes, Brittany Howard, flows balladically between a jazz standard and the country soul of Ray Charles.
A wise composer, Smith creates grooves on the kit that attracts and connects. He is found here in top form while enjoying the artistic qualities of his talented associates.
B+
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Attitude ► 03 - Band Room ► 08 - Rambo: The Vigilante