Aja Monet
When The Poems Do What They Do
Drink Sum Wtr (US) 2023
DSW006 (2LP) Gatefold sleeve w/embossed logo. w/original inner sleeve, booklet, poster.
sleeve : EX-(SRW, some wear on side and corner, light collapse on corner)
media : EX-/EX-,EX-/EX-(some slightly noise caused by some slightly hairlines)
A double album released in 2023 by poet Aja Monet. Far beyond a simple poetry reading, the music draws the listener into a dense, ritualistic space, with bass, drums, piano, flute, and percussion responding as if breathing together, while words become rhythm and rhythm gives birth to new words. Samora Pinderhughes’ piano, Elena Pinderhughes’ flute, and Marcus Gilmore’s drums are all outstanding, and the performance does not merely serve as a backdrop to the spoken word; it resounds as another voice standing on equal ground with Aja Monet’s poetry. A remarkable work where the Black spiritual spoken tradition after Nina Simone, the political edge of Gil Scott-Heron and The Last Poets, and the deep ensemble sensibility of contemporary jazz intersect. Highly recommended for listeners across contemporary jazz, poetry, soul, and ambient-oriented music. Includes booklet / poster.
A3: Black Joy
B2: The Perfect Storm