Shabaka: Perceive its Beauty, Acknowledge its Grace Review – weightless jazz | Jazz

In Shabaka Hutchings’s solo debut album, “Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace,” the London-based musician takes a departure from his saxophone-centric sound to explore the world of flutes, most notably the Japanese Shakuhachi. Known for his work with The Comet is Coming, Sons of Kemet, and The Ancestors, Hutchings showcases his versatility and creativity on this album, which features predominantly US musicians.

The album opens with the gently swirling and deeply beautiful track “End of Innocence,” setting the tone for a contemplative and meditative listening experience. Hutchings’s melodic flights and percussive note clusters emphasize the spaces between the notes, inviting listeners to appreciate the beauty in silence. Recorded in New Jersey’s historic Van Gelder Studio, known for birthing classics on Impulse! Records, the album strays from traditional jazz parameters, drawing inspiration from the spiritual jazz of the 1970s and instrumental New Age music.

Tracks like “I’ll Do Whatever You Want,” featuring Floating Points and Andre 3000, showcase a gradual intensifying propulsion reminiscent of kosmische music pioneers like Ash Ra Tempel and Harmonia. The ethereal vocals of Eska and Lianne La Havas on “Living” and “Kiss Me Before I Forget” add a weightlessly emotional resonance to the ambient pop sound of the album. With nods to Pharoah Sanders and spoken word recitals on spiritual wellbeing and social history, “Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace” is a nuanced and introspective musical offering.

While the album may not be an easy sell in a world dominated by quick thrills and instant gratification, it rewards listeners who take the time to fully immerse themselves in its atmospheric textures and contemplative melodies. Hutchings’s decision to explore new musical territories pays off, showcasing his artistry and creativity beyond the confines of traditional jazz. “Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace” invites listeners to embrace the subtleties and nuances of its sound, offering a deeply immersive and rewarding listening experience.

Rating: 8/10

Written by staticwire