Brian Blade – Mama Rosa – Album Review
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Brian Blade – Mama Rosa
“Since bursting onto the jazz scene in the early ’90s, Brian Blade has developed into a drummer, composer and bandleader of formidable force. Cutting across musical and stylistic divides, his playing has elevated the bands of such acts as Joshua Redman, Emmylou Harris and his own Fellowship unit. “Mama Rosa,” his latest album as a leader, is a surprising departure into moody, singer/songwriter fare, and a rousing success at that. Produced by Blade and Daniel Lanois protégé Adam Samuels, the album bathes Blade’s hushed vocals (and surprisingly fluid instrumental work) in tremolo-tinged guitars and pensive piano lines. Lanois guests on haunting tracks like “Mercy Angel,” “Her Song” and “You’ll Always Be My Baby,” his singular guitar sound the perfect foil for Blade’s sonic and lyrical benedictions. Other standout guests include vocalist Kelly Jones and pedal steel players Greg Leisz and Patrick Smith.â€
