Bruce A. Henry – Connections
Sound: B Music:
B
In a fascination twist in a Jazz work,
producer/writer/singer Bruce A. Henry has done a concept album about roots,
politics and existence called Connections, mixing classics and his new
compositions in painting a portrait of the world as centered in Africa. At times, it reminds one of Stevie Wonder in
his prolific 1970s years, while it also has a fine Jazz fell trying (and often
succeeding) in stretching out in new directions. The songs include:
1) Equinox
2) On The
Red Clay
3) Darker
Brother/I Too, Sing
4) In A
Sentimental Mood
5) Mighty,
Mighty
6) Africa
Cries Prelude
7) Africa
Cries
8) Afro
Blue
9) House Of
The Rising Sun
10) The Sound Of Music
11) Moon
This never becomes heavy-handed or pretentious, thanks in
part to Henry’s empathetic vocals and interesting phrasing. Sometimes, it feels uneven in parts, but
then you realize it is the twists and turns inherent to Jazz if you are only
used to pop music. That comes into play
with The Animals’ classic House Of The Rising Sun, a favorite of the
likes of Martin Scorsese and a Rock/Blues classic. Henry brings out a new sense of pain and longing for happiness
like The Moonglows doing Blue Velvet, if not as fused with as much
terror and blues. His take on The
Sound Of Music tries to make something new of the song, but it was always
an odd composition, so this does not totally work out. Otherwise, Connections is a pleasure
to hear and Jazz fans will particularly enjoy it.
The PCM 2.0 Stereo is also nice and smooth, a recent
recording with a richness and fullness offering fine playback of the
music. Henry has a great voice and the
CD format here does its best to deliver that talent. Now, you can judge for yourself by picking up a copy.
- Nicholas Sheffo
