Axiom

From March 10th to March 15th, as the world was becoming aware of the full implications of a global pandemic, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah and his dedicated band were doing what they do - human conversation in the form of music - at the famed Blue Note in New York. They pressed on, understanding that there was risk but determined to bring positive energy to the people. Little did they (or we) know that this would be the last show for some time. Capturing this moment was already precious, and now it is even more so - humans in direct proximity walking the delicate line between listening and being heard, expressing themselves without casting a shadow on others. While this will not be the last show, for now it is a wonderful reminder of the vibrant energy we all can share.

Though rooted in the traditions of North Indian classical music, this album adds a subtle modern twist that makes it more digestible to Western ears. Soul Searcher consists of one 50-minute track that swells and recedes, evolving into an epic composition of almost otherworldly beauty. The music combines all the common elements of traditional Indian music – syncopated tabla rhythms, droning tamboura, dazzling vocals – with Shankar's breathtaking violin melodies, then adds keyboards courtesy of Peter Gabriel, who featured the violinist's talents prominently on Passion.

This is an intriguing and rather original set of music. Jonas Hellborg, whose conception of the acoustic bass guitar is much closer to a guitar than to a bass, teams up with drummer Tony Williams and the flexible Soldier String Quartet. The sparse sextet explores songs that (according to the liners) are influenced by Arab music, Jimi Hendrix, Tony Williams' Lifetime and Bartok. A variety of moods are explored and the unusual blend of instruments and styles grow in interest each time they are heard. It is a pity though that the playing time is less than 37 minutes.