What do you get when you meld Jazz with ancient Jewish mysticism? You get an intoxication hypnotic blend of music and context that is both enlightening and comforting no matter what denomination you belong to. DR. YOCHANAN SEBASTIAN WINSTON has built a long reputation as composer and teacher. Add to his long list of accomplishments now: a bridge builder of styles and soulfulness. The Kabbalah Suite is an album that will not only be at the top of many contemporary Jazz lists, but world music too.
The Kabbalah Suite: Meditations Upon Upon The Ten Sefirot, touches upon the ten attributes that make up the Kabbalah. These tenets are not only found in G-d, but in humankind as well, which might hold the key why both the practice has captured the imaginations of its many followers. Using this as a framework, Dr. Winston plies his smooth horn ministrations through motifs and movements in away that transport the body, soul and mind of the listener to a far off place. “Keter”, or Crown, starts things off with a solemn and haunting tone. It is a fine opening salvo, with real flavors of origin floating in halfway through. Slight atonal timbres blend with sparkling rhythms sets up the journey to come. “Khokhmah” catches your attention with a snazzy Güiro led tempo and an airy sax flight over
a Mediterranean themed flow. Light and nautical sounding, subtle motifs and beats duck in and out of your ear space. There is also a nice bit of improv solo horn work that shows Dr. Winston is not afraid to show off his best chops early on. “Binah” has a more modern trad Jazz feel to it, with bass and piano complimenting new-age synths sounds and horns. The drum work on this track and throughout is very laid back and tasteful. The most surprising track “Khesed”, has a very urgent rhythm section, but relaxed melodies that act as a counter point. It is definitely the most out of the box track overall and a personal favorite. “Guvurah”, after several poetic flights of fancy, lays back and chills back to rest. “Tifereth” is very mysterious compared to past tracks while “Netzach” indeed has an air of triumph to it, as do the remaining songs. Winston is capable of taking us with him, wherever his inspiration is guiding him.
The entire piece as a whole really just works, and I would hope Dr. Winston will perform it in its entirety someday. This is music that has a spiritual base, but is uplifting to the ears as well.
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For More Information Visit:
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http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/YochananSebastianWinston
