Da-Da
| Da-Da | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1986 | |||
| Studio | Sound Ideas Studios | |||
| Genre | Jazz | |||
| Length | 34:24 | |||
| Label | Columbia[1] | |||
| Producer | Arthur Blythe (all tracks), Bruce Purse (track 2), Vincent Henry (tracks 2 and 3) | |||
| Arthur Blythe chronology | ||||
| ||||
Da-Da is an album by the American saxophonist Arthur Blythe, released in 1986.[2][3] Its title came from Blythe's son.[4]
Production
[edit]The album was coproduced by Bruce Purse.[5] Blythe made heavy use of synthesizers.[6] He considered some of the songs a return to the dance and blues styles of his youth.[7] Olu Dara played cornet.[8] John Hicks played piano.[4] "After Paris" is a version of the Roland Hanna song; "Crescent" is an interpretation of the John Coltrane song.[9][10]
Critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [11] |
| Robert Christgau | B[12] |
| The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | [13] |
Robert Christgau wrote that "Blythe is a major musician and except for one piece of dinky funk this passes pleasantly enough, but its conceptual confusion epitomizes jazz's commercial impasse."[12] The Ottawa Citizen stated that Blythe "can range freely from boppish lines through to free form and funk, with intermediate stops to sample the ideas of John Coltrane, Mid-East tonalities, gospel roots and latin rhythms."[9]
The Sun-Sentinel deemed Da-Da "a multifaceted and perfectly balanced recording steeped in the essence of jazz."[14] The Omaha World-Herald concluded that "Dara's contributions show that he continues to be a promising talent deserving of his own leadership date."[15]
AllMusic wrote that "'Splain Thang', with its electronic rhythms, is a bit commercial but Bob Stewart's crazy electric tuba solo holds one's interest."[11]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Odessa" | 7:32 |
| 2. | "Splain Thang" | 5:32 |
| 3. | "Esquinas (Corners)" | 4:55 |
| 4. | "Crescent" | 6:34 |
| 5. | "Break Tune" | 5:39 |
| 6. | "After Paris" | 4:11 |
References
[edit]- ^ Thompson, Dave (April 2, 2019). Goldmine Record Album Price Guide. Penguin.
- ^ Miller, Mark (5 June 1986). "Da-Da Arthur Blythe". The Globe and Mail. p. C5.
- ^ Varga, George (June 8, 1986). "Eclectic jazzman Blythe coming 'home' with Leaders". The San Diego Union-Tribune. p. E3.
- ^ a b "Hank Crawford & Dr. John". The Washington Post. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
- ^ "For the Record". Billboard. Vol. 99, no. 18. May 10, 1986. p. 84.
- ^ Quill, Greg (14 Nov 1986). "Blythe probing limits of jazz". Toronto Star. p. D12.
- ^ Emerson, Bo (June 3, 1988). "Blythe Spirit – Alto saxophonist is at ease with all black music forms". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. p. P1.
- ^ McClary, Eric (May 25, 1986). "Jazz". Reno Gazette-Journal. p. 8E.
- ^ a b Moody, Lois (27 June 1986). "Arthur Blythe Da-Da". Ottawa Citizen. p. F5.
- ^ Hadekel, Peter (31 July 1986). "The mark of an accomplished jazz soloist...". The Gazette. Montreal. p. B5.
- ^ a b "Arthur Blythe Da-Da". AllMusic.
- ^ a b "Arthur Blythe". Robert Christgau.
- ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 1. MUZE. p. 718.
- ^ Sleight, Peter (June 1, 1986). "Arthur Blythe, who has always perched blithely on the edge of the avant-garde...". Sun-Sentinel. p. 3G.
- ^ Smith, Will (July 20, 1986). "Saxist Blythe Returns In Satisfying Collection". Entertainment. Omaha World-Herald.