Coming Home Jamaica

Coming Home Jamaica

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com's Best of 1998
Coming Home Jamaica, the Art Ensemble's first studio album since 1992's Thelonious Sphere Monk: Dreaming of the Masters, Vol. 2, (which also featured Cecil Taylor), was actually recorded in 1995. Except for the long the delay, AEC fans will have little to complain about since Jamaica is an entertaining, great-sounding release. While it's not as adventurous as the group's finest material, AEC comes off here as tight, confident, and swinging. After 32 years in the business, the Art Ensemble still sounds great. --S. Duda

Amazon.com essential recording
On Coming Home Jamaica, the Art Ensemble of Chicago bust out of the gate with a tune called "Grape Escape," and it's clear from the start of the set that they're serious about having a good time. Led by the bounding bass of Malachi Favors, Lester Bowie's trumpet and Roscoe Mitchell's saxes blow exuberantly on (and off) the beat being delivered by a splashy-sounding Famoudou Don Moye. It's an interplay so intuitive sounding, so spot-on that it could only be the AEC. From there, the Art Ensemble tackles an array of tunes: a plaintive "Jamaica Farewell"; a mysterious "Mama Wants You" that morphs into a sleek, groove-riding vamp; a ska-influenced "Strawberry Mango"; and a pensive "Malachi" that features soft microblowing around a tender theme. The album returns to its upbeat mood for the closer, "Lotta Colada," a bumping, Caribbean-flavored jaunt (the album was recorded in Jamaica in 1995) that affords plenty of room for Lester and Roscoe to dance their horns around the room. You'll be tempted to join them. An upbeat and entirely enjoyable effort. --S. Duda

Coming Home Jamaica,The Art Ensemble of Chicago,Atlantic / Wea,Avant-Garde Jazz,Free Jazz,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop

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