Jazz is in a great place at the moment. With artists like Kamasi Washington and Robert Glasper gracing their talents over in the US, Ross McHenry is contributing to the culture on the other, other side of the pond… Australia.
Known in Australia for his leadership in the afro-jazz band The Shaolin Afronauts, McHenry released his debut album ‘Distant Oceans’ on First Word Records in 2013, showcasing a wide range of sound and deep experimentation which explores on the one hand the modern, avant-garde side of the genre to a more groove based rhythm. ‘Child of Somebody’ McHenry’s second studio album follows that same path.
With more subdued electronic synths, this album focuses more on groove and rhythm than abstract experimentation, which allows for a pleasant summer time listening experience. Frequent collaborators Mark de Clive Lowe, Myele Manzanza and Dylan Marshall as well as seasoned NYC players Marcus Strickland, Corey King, Tivon Pennicott and Duane Eubanks were part of this project, and with popularity amongst jazz being on the rise, I feel like Ross McHenry’s moment in the spotlight will come soon.
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