The Roots of Jazz

From Delta blues to Afro-Cuban music to cumbia, The Paul Carlon Octet plays roots music from a jazz perspective. On Roots Propaganda (Deep Tone) the end result flows naturally. There's a contagious, warm vintage feel resonating from this recording that I found to be very inviting. Maybe it's Carlon's arranging approach, reminiscent of the way Duke Ellington would write parts to fit the individual musical nuances of each member in his big band. On Roots Propaganda distinct elements meld into a harmonious whole. There's also a spiritual quality to some of the tracks, a few of which are even named after Yoruba deities from the Afro-Cuban pantheon, like "Ochun," in honor of the orisha of love, midway through the album. Vocalist Christelle Durandy nails every track she's featured in, from the swinging, trumpet and trombone infused intro "Backstory," to the closer "Yorubonics," beautifully sung in Yoruba and layered with soulful electric guitar and elegant piano. There's a call and response toward the end with the brass section acting as the responding chorus to Durandy's melodic chants. The effect is very cool.