Malachi Thompson & Africa Brass

Malachi Thompson & Africa Brass: Blue Jazz

by Rex Butters
December 1, 2003

Malachi Thompson’s eleventh recording as leader shamelessly dwells in the blues, drinking deeply from that source of inspiration. Blue Jazz keeps the free-bop band alive within the larger Africa Brass. The four trumpet/four trombone combination gives the blue swing the jukebox appeal of early ‘60s Blue Note records. Thompson’s eloquent lead on trumpet brings out the best in two of the best: Billy Harper on tenor, and Gary Bartz on alto. The leader arranges the music into two thematic suites, ...