https://ericplaks.bandcamp.com/album/rodney-chapman-gnosis
Genre: Free Jazz
Rating: 5/5
released on bandcamp August 1, 2021
Another unfathomably great free jazz release from the genre that just keeps giving.
Rodney Chapman is a new name in the jazz recording world. Or at he’s least new to me and has a modest web presence. He’s the band leader here and does a great job holding down the fort on tenor. On the opening and title track he announces his presence on the eight minute, Gnosis, where he plays a true tenor solo with no accompaniment whatsoever. It’s so good. Absolutely jaw dropping fan-fucking-tastic. It’s mostly in the Coltranian tradition but parts of it sort of remind me of Colin Stetson. The playing is immaculate but it’s the composition or improvisational sensibilities that really struck me.
All the musicians are fierce but as for impressive resumes, drummer Ronnie Burrage has recorded with Courtney Pine, Archie Shepp, and McCoy Tyner.
The most vaulted and greatest member of the jazz royalty in the band is bassist, 69 year old, William Parker. If you’re not familiar with Parker, take some time to rectify that. His discography is incredible. One excellent starting point would be David S. Ware’s Freedom Suite.
Again, I really can’t overstate how great this record is. Check it out.
Warmth Highest 