Streets 03/20/12
Radio Music Society may be one of a handful of releases in jazz history that will go down for both artistic and cultural significance. The much anticipated follow up to Chamber Music Society takes a look at jazz in the musical mainstream and the cultural significance of what is happening in black America.
I normally shy away from releases that try and merge a social or political message with jazz. Much like keeping my personal demons locked in separate drawers for safe keeping, I don't like mixing music and political commentary. I love Charlie Haden but I do not listen to the Liberation Orchestra. Esperanza Spalding's Radio Music Society is dramatically different.
Radio Music Society explores a more blatant pop sound that settles into a musical happy place somewhere between contemporary and neo-soul. There are tunes about life, love and the emotional aftermath of love gone wrong. Spalding also confronts the dumbing down of American society and the need for immediate gratification in the age of the digital download. "Land Of The Free" is a direct assault on the criminal justice system in America and is case specific to an innocent victim who spent 30 years in confinement for a crime he never committed. "Black Gold" is a deeply moving number targeting young men of color. Spalding encourages pride and the knowledge of the immense cultural history that dates back to pre-colonial Africa.
What allows Radio Music Society to work so well is that the flawless conceptual vision is on point. There is a distinct ebb and flow to this release that is captivating. When Spalding begins her move to a more social and political vibe her message is that of a sincere artist simply sharing an honest perspective. There is no anger, no divisive speech and no political axe to grind but there is clearly an open artistic heart.
Esperanza Spalding said, " Art doesn't thrive with too much analyzing and explaining."
Paralysis by analysis can limit more than just art.
Look for an expanded review coming soon!
