Song
Eru Aiye by Lekan Babalola
Back story
Lekan Babalola is a Nigerian percussionist and bandleader. His only release available in the U.S. is the excellent Songs of Icon. He mixes jazz and Afro-beat into a potent and exciting sound. Though not well-known outside of Africa, that is changing since his recent involvement with Cassandra Wilson’s band. In the past he has worked with Roy Ayers, Miles Davis, and Fela Kuti.
Why this song
Long-time readers know I am a sucker for good bass solos. Eru Aiye begins with a nearly 3 minute bass solo! It then moves into an open and airy jazz ensemble piece featuring tight horn harmonies, and concludes with a bass solo. It reminds me a bit of both John Coltrane and Miles Davis in the late 1950’s. Which is not to say Lekan’s music is derivative. It is classic and modern all at once. This is among the best world-beat albums I’ve heard in a long time.
More info
Artist and album info
Check it out
I am trying out a different streaming service called Maestro.fm. Since Lala is stopping service as of May 31, I am trying out some alternatives. Please let me know if you have issues listening to the song.
Videos are hard to come by, but I found this one from a 2007 performance in Chicago. The video quality is not great, but you can get a feel for his immense percussion talent.
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Song
St. James Infirmary by Cassandra Wilson
Back story
Cassandra Wilson is an adventurous jazz singer blessed with a gorgeous, husky alto voice. She is not afraid to take chances, and has explored funk, jazz, blues, pop, folk, and everything in between. She became one of the most admired vocalists of the 90’s, and continues to make great music in 2010. She has a new album, Silver Pony, coming out sometime later this year.
Why this song
This song is taken from her excellent 2008 release, Loverly. The album is mostly standards, and Cassandra and her band demonstrate how to breathe new life into the endlessly covered American songbook. St. James Infirmary was made famous by Louis Armstrong nearly 100 years ago, but here the song is transformed from a dirge into a soulful, funky, mid-tempo blues. The excellent band includes guitarist Marvin Sewell, bassists Reggie Veal and Lonnie Plaxico, drummer Herlin Riley, percussionist Lekan Babalola, and pianist Jason Moran.
More info
Song origins
All About Jazz
All Music
Check it out
This was performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 2008. The lineup is similar the the album version, with the exception of Jonathan Batiste on piano instead of Jason Moran. The extended guitar intro really sets the funky and slightly steamy mood. This live version features extended guitar and piano solos. Unfortunately, the ending appears to be cut off abruptly, but it at least gives you a taste of Cassandra’s live performance energy.
This is the album version.
Buy it
Amazon
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