Audio Review: Live From The Prison Nation by Alonzo Demetrius
Live From The Prison Nation (2020)
Onyx Productions
Alonzo Demetrius, Trumpet
Yesseh Furaha-Ali, Tenor Saxophone
Daniel Abraham Jr., Piano
Benjamin Jephta, Bass
Brian Richburg Jr., Drums
By opening the album with spoken word from Angela Davis’ Eric Williams Memorial Lecture in 2003, trumpeter Alonzo Demetrius and his group The Ego lay the groundwork for a sonic boom that will leave a lasting impact on listeners.
The first track “Expectations” is bold with a powerful opening melody that builds intensity into some stellar trading between Demetrius and tenor saxophonist Yesseh Furaha-Ali. Throughout the second track, “The Principle,” pianist Daniel Abraham Jr. plays subtle minimalistic rhythms that are just the right amount of pulse. As lingering melodies abound in “Mumia’s Guidance,” continual thoughts are amplified through the spoken word of activist and podcaster Mumia Abu Jamal.
While the album introduces a necessary conversation about the Prison Industrial Complex, it is the last track, “F.O.O. Shit,” that calls for an anthem, a rally-cry, to go forth and start a change. In its almost fourteen minutes of music, Demetrius and his band take a listener through a whirlwind of emotions with fist-raising energy leading to breaks of calmness, and crisp individual solos trickling into a hypnotic soli section. This track can (and should) leave a mark.
Live From The Prison Nation is not a casual listen. Knowing the story and purpose behind each track is vital to experiencing this music. As liner notes and a discussion packet complement the music, it is the sound that ultimately articulates the words of suffering and oppression. With perfect intent, each track is thought-provoking and uses every moment – every possible amount of time – to let musical words be heard. Demetrius is beyond his years in performing and writing, and with this album, more sounds and actions should surely come.
Tracklist:
Expectations
The Principle
Yesseh’s Interlude
Mumia’s Guidance
F.O.O. Shit (Intro)
F.O.O. Shit
Click here to purchase the album on Bandcamp.
Click here to learn more about Alonzo Demetrius and the Ego.
