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Jul. 21—African Ripples.
Keith Brown Trio. Space Time Records.
African Ripples is pianist-composer-arranger Keith Brown’s third album as a bandleader, and it conveys much of his vision about Black culture through music.
Not so much through protest or political songs, either, but everyday, heartfelt relationships.
This coming-of-age disc leads off with the deeply soulful “African Ripples Epigraph” and some thought-provoking spoken words from Cyrus Aaron.
A couple of songs later, listeners get some insight into what Brown experienced growing up in Knoxville, Tenn.
Now part of the New York jazz scene, Brown sings about family gatherings, too.
One song, “Queen,” is dedicated to Brown’s wife, Tamara Brown, who provides background vocals on that and another song, “Come Back as a Flower.” The musical inspiration for the song dedicated to his wife comes from a painting by Nigerian-born artist Uzo Egonu entitled “Guinean Girl.”
Another song, “Prayer for My Nephews,” was written by Brown as inspiration for two nephews, ages 19 and 4. Featuring words spoken by Aaron, it’s filled with affirmations and prayer.
Like a lot of African music itself, there’s an upbeat vibe, with songs that promote joy and resilience.
“The music of African Ripples was composed and collected to convey my personal experiences through Black music and how it has rippled out in so many different directions,” Keith Brown said. “These ripples serve to bring to light our different relationships and connections and different variations of the same impactful shared experiences. This music has always been an extension of how we express ourselves within these relationships.”
For his part, Keith Brown plays inspired keyboards, busting out on fine solos.
Guest artists include trumpeter Russell Gunn, saxophonist Anthony Ware, percussionist Nêgah Santos, and multiple vocalists.
Most of the songs are his. But there also are covers of songs by Fats Waller and Stevie Wonder.
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