Ches Smith and We All Break - Path of Seven Colors

The Guardian 0

(Pyroclastic Records)
Haitian traditions inspire the percussionist’s exhilarating hybrid of melodic drums, evocative vocals and fiery improvisation

Here’s the album that shows just why the nondescript term “drummer” doesn’t get near the chemistry of earworm hooks, sharp-end jazz innovation and global-musical openness of New York percussionist/composer Ches Smith. With saxophonist Tim Berne (a big compositional influence), John Zorn, violist Mat Maneri and many others, Smith has blossomed from skilful sideman to the collaborative original behind this exhilarating set – drawing on his devoted study of Haiti’s Vodou musical traditions with New York’s Haitian-American community, and in empathic hybrid lineups joining Haitian performers and jazz-rooted improvisers.