Emergence

by Lonnie Plaxico

Overview

Emergence begins with a bang but then goes gradually downhill. Plaxico alternates between acoustic and electric bass, and mightily tries to reconcile the jazz and funk elements of his vision. Although most tracks feature driving rhythms, incredibly intricate horn writing, and compelling solos, the album grows numbingly repetitive as it proceeds. On the jazz side, "Transformation" begins the record with riveting post-bop fire, while "Libertarian" and "Red Light District" provide new perspectives on the standards "Dear Old Stockholm" and "Love for Sale," respectively. On the funk side, "Delusion" and "Emancipation" stand out, recalling the dissonant colors heard on Sam Rivers' acclaimed 1999 album Inspiration. But Plaxico seems to run low on ideas by the time he gets to "Equilibrium," "Inner Voice," and Chick Corea's "Matrix." Six brief interludes featuring bass and/or percussion are interspersed throughout the program, yielding mixed results -- the most effective being "Paramita (to arrive at the other side)." Monster players abound, including the wonderful Don Braden on saxophones, Ralph Alessi on trumpet, and Jason Moran on piano. Emergence is also distinguished by several lesser known but highly capable musicians: Larry Lunetta on trumpet, Tim Hegarty on sax, Eric Lewis on piano and organ, Lionel Cordew on drums, and Jeffrey Haynes on percussion. Haynes produced the interludes, and noted vocalist Cassandra Wilson, for whom Plaxico has served as musical director, produced the main tracks. ~ David R. Adler

Product Details

Release Date:	02/15/2000
Label:	Savant Records (Jazz) / Savant
UPC:	0633842201924
Rank:	204846

Tracks

1. The Mahayanna (Great Vehicle) (Interlude)
2. Transformation
3. Delusion
4. Emergence
5. Paramita (To Arrive at the Other Side) Interlude
6. Libertarian
7. Changing Lines
8. Emancipation
9. Red Light District
10. Sokoni (From the Sea) Interlude
11. Equilibrium
12. 2 Bass Interlude
13. Inner Voice
14. Kalomo (The Unexpected) Interlude
15. Matrix
16. Oji (The Gift Bearer)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Lonnie Plaxico   Primary Artist,Guitar (Bass),Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Jason Moran   Guest Artist,Piano
Don Braden   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor),Sax (Soprano)
Lionel Cordew   Paiste Cymbals,Drums,Percussion,Pearl Drums
Larry Lunetta   Trumpet
Eric Lewis   Organ,Piano,Piano (Electric)
Jeff Haynes   Percussion
Ralph Alessi   Trumpet
Tim Hegarty   Saxophone,Sax (Tenor)

Technical Credits

Larry Lunetta   Composer
Russ Musto   Liner Notes
Eric Lewis   Composer
Cassandra Wilson   Producer
Joseph Marciano   Engineer
Jeff Haynes   Composer
Michael Marciano   Mixing
Lonnie Plaxico   Composer
Lionel Cordew   Composer
Tim Hegarty   Composer
Moran   Composer
Hitomi Kakuda   Make-Up,Photography