Wadada Leo Smith, the renowned trumpeter and composer, teams up with the esteemed pianist and organist Amina Claudine Myers for "Central Park’s Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens," a captivating exploration of free jazz and avant-garde sounds. Released on May 10, 2024, via Red Hook Records, this collaborative effort spans a concise yet impactful 36 minutes, featuring seven tracks that pay homage to iconic figures and serene locations within New York City's Central Park.
The album opens with "Conservatory Gardens," a sprawling nine-minute piece that sets the tone for the record's contemplative and reflective atmosphere. Smith's trumpet weaves intricate melodies, while Myers' piano and organ provide a rich, textured backdrop. The duo continues to impress with tracks like "Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir" and "Central Park at Sunset," where Smith's rough and buttery tones contrast beautifully with Myers' enveloping keyboard colors.
Myers takes the reins on "When Was," a solo piano piece that showcases her classical influences and impressionistic style. The album also includes tributes to jazz legends John Lennon and Albert Ayler, with tracks like "Imagine, a mosaic for John Lennon" and "Albert Ayler, a meditation in light" offering poignant reflections on their legacies.
Throughout the album, Smith and Myers draw from their shared history as members of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), infusing their performances with a deep sense of musical kinship and mutual respect. The result is a collection of tracks that are as much about the spaces they inhabit as the sounds they create, offering listeners a unique and engaging listening experience.
