CD Review: Denys Baptiste, Let Freedom Ring!
28.7.2003

By Jason Caffrey
jason@jazznation.co.uk

Denys Baptiste (tenor); Nathaniel Facey (trumpet); Abram Wilson (trumpet); Trevor Mires (trombone); Omar Puente (violin); Jenny Adejayan (cello); Andrew McCormack (piano); Adam Goldsmith (guitar); Gary Crosby (double bass); Satin Singh (percussion); Rod Youngs (drums); Ben Okri (vocals); (2&4) Rabin Banerjee (guitar) replaces Adam Goldsmith.
Sanctuary Westside Studios, London, July 2003.

It's a bold undertaking to write a jazz suite inspired by the life and work of Martin Luther King. In 1963, King's I Have a Dream speech cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the civil-rights movement. Five years later he was assassinated and became a global icon. King's words have inspired millions. And as if that's not daunting enough, Baptiste's album must hold it's own amongst a catalogue of similarly-influenced works which includes Sonny Rollins' Freedom Suite and Duke Ellington's My People. So, how does Let Freedom Ring! fare amongst such illustrious company?

Very well indeed, is the simple answer. This is an immensely enjoyable album from a superb UK talent. Across four tracks, each of which refer to key moments in King's oratory, Baptiste acquits himself admirably. Not only is the writing lyrical and vibrant, but it does a magnificent job of conveying the spirit of King's words: the intro to I Have A Dream has an ethereal quality about it, giving way to a muscular, purposeful melody; there's more than a hint of Mingus about With This Faith, a slow march leading to a gospel-style celebration; Let Freedom Ring! peaks in a Coltrane-style solo from Baptiste, while Free At Last! finds violin and vocals in reflective mood before the suite is drawn to a close.

Baptiste's arrangements leave room for some excellent solos, particularly from Nathaniel Facey and Omar Puente, and draw often mysterious textures from violin and cello, which compliment an otherwise orthodox jazz ensemble.

Then there's the surprise gem in amongst all of this - Ben Okri's vocals. The Booker Prize-winning author weaves extracts from his poem Mental Flight into the fabric of the music. Okri's voice has the depth to convey weighty words with authority and his brooding entries add an extra dimension to the music. With a carriage that's nothing short of masterful, his domineering presence lends a gravitas fit for the occasion.

Elsewhere, swing rubs shoulders with sections of blues, afro-cuban and unashamed funk, giving this album an unmistakeably modern sound which is anchored in tradition.

Let Freedom Ring! is everything a suite should be. It's an ambitious, absorbing work executed with fluency and style, and it's never overburdened by it's subject matter. Denys Baptiste's current live tour may be drawing to a close, but thankfully there's no shortage of this CD. Thoroughly recommended.