We Are Sent Here by History is final proof that Hutchings is a modern jazz prophet; he sees the past as merely a jumping-off point for exploration, not only in music but in philosophical concepts, cultural theories, and spiritual precepts as an aesthetic. With the Ancestors he goes further toward creating a holistic new jazz than with any of his other ensembles.
While Hutchings' trademark, frantically circling sax figures are prominent, it's the album's sombre moments that prove the most powerful. [Apr 2020, p.35]
Hutchings has suggested his Ancestors work is an update of the griot tradition - weaving social commentary into seemingly harmless party pieces. We Are Sent Here By History achieves more: transforming impending doom into an affirmation of life. [Apr 2020, p.92]
It’s a reminder that any redemption must first reconcile the lessons of our history, to learn from the mistakes that led to misfortune. It’s also a testament to the beauty of resilience; as an indictment of power, it elicits inspiration rather than depression. This is music that makes you feel less alone in your rage, a chorus to join with your anger and frustration, a funnel to channel that energy.
At its best, jazz is a genre capable of evoking every other musical discipline, and the deftly-played music on We Are Sent Here By History serves as an energizing reminder of that. It’s deeply felt music that makes for a rewarding and often thrilling listening experience.
Ultimately, although it’s more immediate than their 2016 record, what you gain from We Are Sent Here By History will be dictated by how much you connect with its musical vision. Sink into its groove though and it’s an album that presents a fascinating societal commentary.
Shabaka And The Ancestors es el nombre de uno de los varios proyectos tan importantes como interesantes en el mundo de la música( 84/100 )
Shabaka And The Ancestors es el nombre de uno de los varios proyectos tan importantes como interesantes en el mundo de la música del erudito, ingenioso y simplemente genial Shabaka Hutchings. Es una lastima que su nombre apenas sea mencionado en el ámbito musical y, aún más, solo sea reconocido como saxofonista cuando es el creador y productor de conceptos musicales que podrían destruir políticas enteras y salvar sociedades completas. Llamado "profeta del Jazz Moderno" por All Music con mucha razón, Shabaka Hutchings es la persona más generosa e integra que he conocido en mi exploración musical contemporánea. No les diré nada más que estamos en frente de la historia completa escribiéndose, destruyéndose, renovándose y explotando en euforia y calma. Hay tanta revolución y utopía en su ser que este pedazo de expresión musical no solo lo comprueba, si no que lo promete. "We Are Sent Here By History" es indispensable si te haces llamar amante de la música (y todo Shabaka Hutchings). No se lo pierdan por nada. Háganse un favor.
-
Shabaka And The Ancestors is the name of one of the several projects so important and interesting of the erudite, clever, and simply great Shabaka Hutchings in the world of music. It's a shame that his name is barely mentioned in the musical scope and, even worst, that he is only known as a saxophonist when he is the creator and producer of the musical concepts that can destroy full politics and save complete societies. Called "Modern Jazz prophet" by All Music with a lot of truth, Shabaka Hutchings is the most generous and mindful that I've known in my contemporary music exploration. I won't tell you anything more than we are in front of the whole history being written, being destroyed, renovating, and exploiting in euphoria and calm. There's so much revolution and utopia in his being that this piece of musical expression doesn't just prove it, but it promises it. "We Are Sent Here By History" (and all Shabaka Hutchings) is a must if you call yourself a music lover. Don't lose it for anything. Make yourselves a favor.…Expand
I like this album and simultaneously I am a bit skeptical about it. It is well done with a very good sound that is reminiscent of 1970sI like this album and simultaneously I am a bit skeptical about it. It is well done with a very good sound that is reminiscent of 1970s encounters between jazz and African music. Hutchings' nod to the likes of Archie Shepp and Pharoah Sanders is obvious as well as to Afrojazz gods such as Fela Kuti and Roy Ayers and lesser known gems of spiritual jazz such as 1976 Black Renaissance. This is all good and yet I feel that compared to these records, it is a bit undercooked. The players play repetitive riffs and patterns for several minutes and it rarely becomes abrasive. Hutchings know how to distill effects through a good sense of aesthetics but I have difficulties perceiving the musicians' chops behind that. It's like they're all holding back, except for a couple of minutes of free jazz textures which are thrown there for good measure. The result is a solid effort but not the sort of masterpiece which has been hailed everywhere in the press. In other words, this is good but no Ascension or Kulu Se Mama. Maybe the current enthusiasm for this record is related to the current state of mainstream jazz, which has difficulties renewing itself. In that sense, what proposes is much better than average but it is not as thrilling to me as the sort of stuff an indie label like Cryptogramophone has been putting out during the preceding decade. This is jazz for the indie kids and maybe it's enough for most people.…Expand
