Noteworthy Takeaways from “Pan Africa”

Rather than give a formal review, here are some noteworthy moments that I took away from listening to Pan Africa by Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets.

• This 9-track album intentionally leads the listener on a journey of roots and ancestry.
• The bustling beats of the “Appointment in Ghana” start with a fiery solo from Derrick Gardner leading off the Jazz Prophets to voice their individual musical statements.
• “10,000 Ships” sets a melancholy melody that is unified not only in the sectional lines but with each solo. As the theme is re-stated in conclusion, the sound of Vincent Gardner’s trombone rises above the others and leads to an anthemic cry of its own.
• The trading solos in “The Sixth Village” showcase the conversational attribute of the Jazz Prophets talking within the group both in agreement and dissension.
• As the “Highlife Suite” carries a jovial mood, the rhythm section of George Caldwell, Obasi Akoto, and Kweku Sumbry shine through before Derrick Gardner portrays an even greater convivial mood of expression.
• With a life of highness in the prior track, the “Blues for the Diaspora” quickly brings a descent to reality. The opening sound of Derrick’s trumpet is the call-and-response of desperation with fervor behind each note. There will always be power in the Blues.
• “Vicente, The Afro-Mestizo” meticulously syncopates before riding high on the solos of Vincent and Robert Dixon.
• Through the purposeful melodic chaos in “Nkrumah ‘da Rulah” the rhythm section, maintains its synchronized crashes and keeps all in the pocket, thanks to Kweku Sumbry.
• “Assin Manso … The Last Bath” is a proclamation of hopeful freedom that tempts resolution ultimately resulting in un-forgotten joy. With Sumbry’s use of African percussion, the Jazz Prophets affirm the necessity of the roots to always be remembered through this music.
• The liner notes, plus the introspection from Theodore W. Burgh, not only give verbal insights into the music in words, but they are equally necessary for the album’s complete experience.

Personnel:
Derrick Gardner – Trumpet
Vincent Gardner – Trombone
Robert Dixon – Alto and Tenor Saxophone
George Caldwell – Piano
Obasi Akoto – Bass
Kweku Sumbry – Drums and African Percussion

Track List:
1. Djemba Kan (Traditional)
2. Appointment in Ghana (Jackie McClean, arr. by Derrick Gardner)
3. 10,000 Ships (Robert Dixon)
4. The Sixth Village (Derrick Gardner)
5. Highlife Suite (Victor Dey)
6. Blues for the Diaspora (Derrick Gardner)
7. Vicente, The Afro Mestizo (Derrick Gardner)
8. NKRUMAH ‘da RULAH (Derrick Gardner)
9. Assin Manso … The Last Bath (Derrick Gardner)

Click Here to Purchase Pan Africa.

Click Here to Learn More about Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets.