{"id":3179,"date":"2021-08-23T22:32:39","date_gmt":"2021-08-24T03:32:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/postgenre.org\/staging\/4567\/?p=3179"},"modified":"2022-05-10T15:44:34","modified_gmt":"2022-05-10T20:44:34","slug":"blanchard-absence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/postgenre.org\/staging\/4567\/blanchard-absence\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Terence Blanchard’s ‘Absence’ featuring the E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wayne Shorter is among the best composers of the second half of the Twentieth Century. Several of his compositions including, \u201cFootprints\u201d and \u201cInfant Eyes,\u201d have become standards. But in performing these songs, many musicians often miss what makes the saxophonist\u2019s work so extraordinary. Yes, the pieces are beautiful and well-written, but they are merely jumping spots for exploration. Instead, the crux of his music is risk-taking; taking a bold leap, and seeing where you land. While most tributes miss this central point, Terence Blanchard\u2019s Absence <\/em>(Blue Note, 2021) featuring the Turtle Island Quartet and his band, the E-Collective, excels in capturing the meaning of the legendary artist\u2019s work in its truest form. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In many ways, Blanchard is the perfect candidate for such a tribute to Shorter. Although two decades apart, both were Jazz Messengers, confirming their early career dedication to the form. From this experience, Shorter moved to Miles Davis\u2019 Second Great Quintet, where his writing focused on expanding harmonic structures. One such piece, <\/em>\u201cFall,\u201d appears on Absence. <\/em>While Blanchard\u2019s version retains the same balladry of the original, the incorporation of strings adds additional complexity and texture. The lush tones of Fabian Almazan\u2019s piano, the Turtle Island Quartet\u2019s ever subtle movements, and Blanchard\u2019s long tones suggest a crisp Autumn air, descending colored leaves, and the slight scent of firewood burning. It\u2019s respectful of Shorter\u2019s original but never aims for mere replication.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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