Sonny Simmons – Reincarnation CD 551

Description

CD 551

MUSICIANS

Zarak Simmons – drums
Court Crawford – bass
Travis Shook – piano
Barbara Donald – trumpet
Sonny Simmons – alto sax

TRACKS

1. American Jungle Theme
2. Reincarnation
3. Body and Soul
4. Ancient Ritual
5. Over the Rainbow

Sonny Simmons has certainly had a long and diverse career as a jazz performer and recording artist. Gaining his reputation as a pioneer in the “new music” or avant-garde jazz he has recorded with the likes of Elvin Jones Eric Dolphy and McCoy Tyner. However some of his most important and groundbreaking recordings were done with wife and trumpet player Barbara Donald.

Known as “Trumpet Lady” Barbara was a brilliant and fiery trumpet player with a beautiful tone and a unique style of her own. At a time when jazz was a male dominated artform a white woman trumpet player sharing the front line with an African-American man surely added to the intrigue of the group. Adding to this story their son Zarak has become a brilliant jazz drummer in his own right and has studied with the likes of Elvin Jones and Tony Williams.

Which brings us to this particular recording. This live set from July 1991 may be the only recording extant of the whole Simmons/Donald family playing together. The performances are extremely dynamic and powerful – in no small part fueled by the explosive drumming of son Zarak. Sonny’s playing seems even more passionate and inspired than usual!

Barbara passed away in 2013 at the age of 70. Thankfully this brilliant date was captured on tape and stands as a testament to one of the most talented and brilliant families in musical history.

Listen here to an interview with Sonny Simmons and Barbara Donald.

See a video of Sonny playing live with Michael White and Fredery Harris.