On 'I've Known Rivers,' pianist Anthony Davis, flutist James Newton, and cellist Abdul Wadud unite in a trio that reimagines the jazz landscape. This album is not a typical session—it’s a profound conversation among three deeply attuned improvisers, each a master of their instrument and idiom. Davis’s impressionistic piano passages provide a fluid foundation, while Newton’s flute soars and spirals, often moving from breathy lyricism to bracing angularity. Wadud’s cello, rich and resonant, acts as both anchor and provocateur, weaving harmonic complexity into the ensemble’s tapestry.
This recording stands as a testament to the possibilities of chamber jazz, where the lines between composition and improvisation blur in the most organic ways. The interplay feels both intellectual and visceral, referencing spirituals, avant-garde traditions, and the blues without ever settling into predictability. The album’s title, an allusion to Langston Hughes’ poem, signals its intent: to explore the depths and currents of Black musical expression. ‘I’ve Known Rivers’ is essential listening for anyone who values jazz at its most fearless and poetic—a collector’s piece that rewards attentive, repeated listening.
Track List:
A1 - Juneteenth -
A2 - Still Waters -
B1 - After You Said Yes -
B2 - Tawaafa -