Jive Music Austria is honored to present the third album in a row of the great Chico Freeman!
He’s a legend, but is at the same time not laying back and resting on the laurels of his history. Far from it: He’s always on the move, making new projects with new and interesting musicians and with the newest recording tools and technics as well! For this CD he brought some of the finest musicians together that work and live in Europe; with them he can also tour Europe more easily, without so much time lost on long overseas flights. These guys each are splendid on their instruments and well known with their groups and projects, together they are tight and sound as a unit with Mr. Freeman as the crown jewel on this royal swingin’ and groovin’ group!
The repertoire is mainly original pieces of Chico’s and some of the other members of the quartet. The cd is completed with some special versions of great and special standards like “Seven Steps to Heaven” and “Soft Pedal Blues”. The Bandleader is also very proud to present an anthology of songs, each dedicated to, and inspired by his daughters: Erika, Luani, N’tiana, Nia and Lara! These songs are very special and with the others that are composed and played with warm-hearted sensitivity you feel the positive, expressive power of this unique artist!
Chico Freeman (saxophones), Antonio Faraò (Piano), Heiri Känzig (bass), Michael Baker (drums).
Tracklist:
1. Seven steps to heaven (03:34)
2. Free man (05:43)
3. India blue (08:33)
4. Black inside (05:53)
5. Dance of light for Luani (05:35)
6. Nia's quest (04:33)
7. N'tiana's dream (08:15)
8. Lara's lullaby (02:51)
9. Erika's reverie (06:27)
10. Soft pedal blues (09:21)
11. Niskayuna (04:59)
12. The crossing (01:23)
13. Ballad for Hakima (03:22)
Released 2016.