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- Record Label: Cuneiform Records
- Release Date: Oct 14, 2016
- Summary: The six-movement suite from the composer/trumpeter was inspired in part by Ken Burns' documentary series "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" and Smith's own research.
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- Record Label: Cuneiform Records
- Genre(s): Jazz, Avant-Garde, Modern Creative, Modern Composition, Avant-Garde Jazz, Modern Free
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Positive: 7 out of 7
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Nov 22, 2016One needn't take in all 90 minutes of America's National Parks at one go; it might work better, for some, to absorb slowly. Either way, it masterfully balances solo and group improvisation, chamber sounds, modern jazz, and avant composition.
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The WireDec 21, 2016America’s National Parks is as consistent musically as it is conceptually diverse. What appear on first listen to be reserved essays on grand topics are steadily revealed to be eloquent statements of a mature and unified vision, realised with collective mastery. [Dec 2016, p.64]
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Nov 22, 2016On this excerpt of the suite’s overture, “New Orleans: The National Culture Park USA 1718,” you hear the deep focus in their [Anthony Davis and Smith's] rapport; it’s an accurate reflection of the mood sustained throughout the work.
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Nov 22, 2016Preserved and proffered in sound, the Parks, both physical and cerebral become a source of solace and wonderment.
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Dec 5, 2016The five members of the Golden Quintet perform this suite with perfectly poised balance and musical integration, composer Smith's trumpet taking the obvious lead with crystal clarity yet never lapsing into solo virtuosity for the sake of it.
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Nov 22, 2016The album isn’t quite the overwhelming achievement that Ten Freedom Summers was, though the refined ensemble playing of Smith’s newly convened “Golden Quintet” is consistently ravishing.
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Nov 22, 2016Ensemble sections expand and contract into brilliant solos by his musicians, and while this will be a difficult listen for some, it contains some amazing moments.