STEVE JOHNSON recommends a protest album with a harder edge than many in the genre
Critical biography of a neglected jazz genius
DENNIS BROE finds much to praise in the new South African Netflix series, but wonders why it feels forced to sell out its heroine
CARL DEATH introduces a new book which explores how African science fiction is addressing climate change
In his second round-up, EWAN CAMERON picks excellent solo shows that deal with Scottishness, Englishness and race as highlights
Fiery words from the Bard in Blackpool and Edinburgh, and Evidence Based Punk Rock from The Protest Family
MATTHEW HAWKINS is mesmerised by a performance that dissolves the line between audience and performer
MATTHEW SHARPE recommends the essays of a Renaissance politician that instruct and unnerve after 400 years
Stratusphunk: George Russell, His Life and Music
by Duncan Heining Jazz Internationale, £14.99
THE great Wolverhampton-born bassist Dave Holland said of Russell: “He’s done something which a lot of musicians aspire to, which is to create a world of his own within the music.” Yet this world was never an introspective one or enclosed behind musical walls.
As a young man in New York, Russell knew and worked with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Coltrane, Ornette Coleman and Mingus. The knowledge which formed the foundation of his genuinely influential theoretical work, the Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organisation, was based on active exposure to such jazz revolutionaries.
More from this author
CHRIS SEARLE speaks to Chris Laurence, bassist and bandmate of saxophonist TONY COE
CHRIS SEARLE speaks to vocalist Jacqui Dankworth
CHRIS SEARLE pays tribute to the late South African percussionist, Louis Moholo-Moholo
Re-releases from Bobby Wellins/Kenny Wheeler Quintet, Larry Stabbins/Keith Tippet/Louis Moholo-Moholo, and Charles Mingus Quintet
