Afrika Rising is an album by jazz flautist Nicole Mitchell with her group Black Earth Ensemble. It was released in 2002 by Dreamtime, Mitchell's own label.
Reception The Exclaim! review by David Dacks says "Afrika Rising builds on Mitchell's successful debut, Vision Quest, a year ago and is forward-thinking jazz that swings like crazy."Dacks, David. Afrika Rising review at Exclaim! JazzTimes wrote: "The music is deeply informed by African rhythm and counterpoint as well as by big-band jazz of both the classic and eccentric (à la Sun Ra) varieties. Mitchell uses many voices masterfully, none more so than her own".
Track listing All compositions by Nicole Mitchell except where noted.
"Afrika Rising Mvmt I: The Ancient Power Awakens" – 8:34 "Afrika Rising Mvmt II: Metemorphosis" – 7:33 "Afrika Rising Mvmt III: Intergalactic Healing" – 5:39 "Peaceful Village Town" – 5:17 "Emerging Light" – 0:53 "Umoja (intro)" – 1:01 "Umoja" – 5:42 "Bluerise" – 10:49 "Goldmind" (melody from "Wade in the Water", traditional) – 2:07 "Wheatgrass" – 7:57 "Toward Vision Quest" – 3:21
Personnel Nicole Mitchell – flute, piccolo, vocals David Boykin – saxophone, clarinet, vocals Tony Herrera – trombone, shells, vocals Steve Berry – trombone Savoir Faire – violin, vocals Edith Yokley – violin Tomeka Reid – cello Miles Tate III – piano Jim Baker – piano Wanda Bishop – piano, vocals Darius Savage – double bass Josh Abrams – bass, vocals Hamid Drake – drums Isaiah Spencer – drums Arveeayl Ra – drums, vocals Jovia Armstrong – percussion Coco Elysses – percussion
References