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Jazz

Damani Phillips No More Apologies Review

by November 22, 2022

Damani Phillips No More Apologies Review

damani-phillips-cdDr. Damani Phillips is an Associate Professor of Jazz/Af-Am Studies at The University of Iowa, where he directs jazz combos and teaches courses in African American music, jazz history, and improvisation, among others. He is a native of Pontiac, MI, where he began playing at ten. Phillips earned his Bachelor’s and Master of Music degrees from DePaul University and The University of Kentucky in classical saxophone and a second Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Wayne State University. In 2009, Phillips completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder, becoming one of the first African Americans in the country to earn this degree.

About the Album

As a recording artist, Phillips has released five jazz albums as a leader and appeared on over ten albums as a sideman in genres ranging from pop to contemporary R&B. His recorded output is wide-ranging in its stylistic explorations. No More Apologies is Phillips’ latest album and features a jazz rhythm section with an eight-piece string ensemble. Phillips says, No More Apologies is a one-of-a-kind project that embraces the power and reach of music that grooves beautifully. A project of substantial music that grooves hard while remaining down to earth—all the things that great jazz music should strive to be! Kick back, turn up the volume and enjoy the musical ride!”

Our Favorite Tracks

The opener, “So in Love (A Nod to Cannon),” begins our journey through Phillips’ concept of jazz with strings with aDamani-Phillips-2 flowing composition with a hard-bop and post-bop allure. Phillips writing for the string orchestra is notable in its support of the rhythm section and the soloist. Phillips performs a graceful solo with his uplifting lines following the harmonic textures with grace and sonic appeal.

“Sunset’s Last Embrace” brings a more contemporary feel to the flow as Phillips leads the ensemble through a beautiful melody. Phillips’ proficiency comes through on this ballad temp; whether playing the melody or solo, his ideas are engaging in their terminology. The string orchestra interlude is beautifully written and performed with a groove and an accent on syncopations.

In Conclusion

Damani-Phillips-1No More Apologies is a fresh sound in the jazz genre with a sophisticated string orchestra that is treated as an equal within the ensemble versus the more traditional background coloring. The result is an enjoyable album.

 

Overview
Artist

Damani Phillips

Album

No More Apologies

Label

Openmind Records

Release Date

November 15, 2021

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