{"id":1621,"date":"2020-08-27T02:29:50","date_gmt":"2020-08-27T07:29:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/postgenre.org\/staging\/4567\/?p=1621"},"modified":"2021-06-24T17:03:23","modified_gmt":"2021-06-24T22:03:23","slug":"christian-scott-atunde-adjuah-axiom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/postgenre.org\/staging\/4567\/christian-scott-atunde-adjuah-axiom\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah’s ‘Axiom’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the field of philosophical logic, an axiom serves as a starting point from which other statements are derived. It is regarded as an essentially true foundation for further developments built off of it. Originating from the Greek word \u1f00\u03be\u03af\u03c9\u03bc\u03b1 (ax\u00ed\u014dma<\/em>), the term suggests worthiness and equal balance as it extends substance to those crafted from it. Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah\u2019s third live release, Axiom<\/em> (Stretch Music\/Ropeadope, 2020), adopts an appropriate title as it takes previously presented compositions and pushes them in new directions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally speaking, this is an area already significantly explored by the trumpeter. His concept of \u201cstretch music\u201d has orbited around this viewpoint as it pulls the conventions of \u201cjazz\u201d to envelope other styles; to create a sound that can encompass as many diverse influences as possible. In the case of the album named after this approach, this was accomplished by adopting from jazz, hip-hop, alternative rock, R&B, African drums, Caribbean music, brass band and second-line music, and others.<\/a> But the preciseness of a studio session sometimes comes at a price. Technical limitations and the lack of an energetic crowd can somewhat negate a more fully developed artistic freedom which can result. Put another way, a live setting provides potentially greater imprecision, but it is in these uncertainties that beauty and progress can bloom. And so, when already expanded ideas are let loose, often the art can further grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider \u201cSunrise in Beijing.\u201d The original on Stretch Music <\/em>(Stretch Music\/Ropeadope, <\/em>2015) is tightly structured with overtly precise beats by percussion, both acoustic and electronic. Repeated motif gives rise to winding flute and trumpet lines before Elena Pinderhughes soars to a new horizon. On Axiom<\/em>, its general outline remains even as it shifts its prior incarnation to a different paradigm. The once pounding drumline is more relaxed, taking on an increasingly human-like quality. It also opens up additional space for the flautist to play a wider-range on her instrument as she darts in an increased frenzy alongside the occasional statement on bass or piano. Whereas her solo once rose above, she now weaves through to find a new spot. <\/p>\n\n\n