Kenny Garrett, Sounds from the Ancestors Review

Kenny Garrett is back and focusing on the music inspired by Africa with his new album called Sounds from the Ancestors. The jazz composer, saxophonist, and bandleader takes us through a set of groove-based compositions with various ensembles and guest musicians. The guests consist of drummer Lenny White, pianist and organist Johnny Mercier, trumpeter Maurice Brown, conguero Pedrito Martinez, batá percussionist Dreiser Durruthy and singers Dwight Trible, Jean Baylor, Linny Smith, Chris Ashley Anthony, and Sheherazade Holman. The album is Garrett’s 20th project as a leader and includes two tributes — the funky selection “Hargrove” and “For Art’s Sake,” a tribute to Art Blakey, with whom Garrett performed with. In addition, Garrett has a vast catalog of songs that bring together elements of jazz, modern jazz, smooth jazz, funk, Latin, and hip-hop. Sounds from the Ancestors continues this theme, but with an overall sound of African influences.

Bottom Line: Sounds from the Ancestors begins with the funky groove-based song “It’s Time to Come Home.” With percussion and a funky Afro-Cuban feel, the melody is simple and lyrical. Garrett’s solo is musical, but as a whole, the song stays at one intensity level and sounds ‘safe.’ “Hargrove” features Maurice Brown and is a catchy, funky selection with added vocal colors and an in-the-pocket rhythm section. The melody gets a little repetitive, and the solos could use a little more interaction and intensity. “For Art’s Sake” is a modern jazz selection with groove elements. The composition’s form is clear and has attractive harmonic colors. The melody is a juxtaposition of activity and space. A stirring piano solo floats over a beautiful drum and percussion groove. Garrett’s semi-inspired solo on this one digs into the groove with a fierce melodic passion. Overall, Sounds from the Ancestors is an album of many beautiful grooves that combine modern jazz with various groove embellishments. However, there are many repeated melodies without much variation, and the grooves mainly sit and seldom build to anything inspired. There are certainly moments of inspiration on Sounds from the Ancestors, but you will have to hunt for them on this one. That’s the short of it!

Connect with Kenny Garrett: Website |