Slave Riot

by Young Jazz Rebels

Continuing the 'Year of Madlib' is this jazz album featuring the Young Jazz Rebels, a group of eight musicians (all of whom I assume are Madlib playing under aliases), which have a completely different sound than Madlib's other recent jazz release, Miles Away.  Where that album, released under the Last Electro-Acoustic Space Jazz Ensemble name, was a more relaxing piece of work, this one is more challenging.

Some of the tracks on this are very pretty and enjoyable, while others are more experimental, discordant, or occasionally, ugly.  I find as the album progresses through its 18 tracks, it becomes most challenging in the middle and towards the end, before returning to a kinder, gentler sound.

Among the tracks I would categorize as 'Easy to Enjoy' are: 'Forces Unseen', 'The Sun', 'Newear', 'Theme from Illusion Suite', 'Nappy Headed History' (which is mostly bass lines, and really, who wouldn't love a piece with a title like that?), 'Young Day (Short Vers.', and the closing track, 'Black Freedom'.

Among the more difficult tracks are:'The Wind', 'Math/Love', 'Primal Sound (The Moon)', 'For Brother Sun Ra', and 'Nino's Deeds (Alt. Take)'.

One can't really discuss this album without talking about the title tracks, 'Slave Riot', which has six movements spread over two tracks ('Before' and 'After').  I assume that these tracks tell a story, and while they have some lovely moments, I will admit that their deeper meaning is lost on me.

Regardless of how you feel about experimental jazz, this album deserves recognition as an impressive piece of work by one man.  Let the Year of Madlib continue.