- Record Label: Impulse!
- Release Date: Mar 13, 2020
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Mar 13, 2020We 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.
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May 5, 2020At 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.
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Mar 30, 2020It’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.
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Mar 27, 2020A remarkable, shamanic talent.
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The WireMar 11, 2020We Are Sent Here By History is a meditation on all of the war, death and resistance that has shaped the world we live in today. Whether or not we can use the lessons learned from that pain to create a future that is worth living is a question that remains unanswered. [Mar 2020, p.56]
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MojoMar 10, 2020Hutchings 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]
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Q MagazineMar 10, 2020It coats its spiritualism in an optimism that is never less than radiant. [May 2020, p.113]
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UncutMar 10, 2020While Hutchings' trademark, frantically circling sax figures are prominent, it's the album's sombre moments that prove the most powerful. [Apr 2020, p.35]
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Mar 10, 2020Its messaging is almost diametrically opposed to the spiritual optimism of Pharaoh Sanders’ great 1969 Impulse! album Karma, yet, ironically, the lasting effect is similar due to the inspired, passionate playing.
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Mar 16, 2020We Are Sent Here By History is nevertheless a thoroughly enjoyable and well-executed assortment of tracks that will perhaps get better the more they are listened to.
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Mar 10, 2020Ultimately, 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.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 12 out of 13
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Mixed: 0 out of 13
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Negative: 1 out of 13
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Nov 2, 2020
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May 4, 2020