Otis Brown III - The Thought Of You (2014) [Hi-Res]

Modern journeyman jazz drummer Otis Brown III – an invaluable sideman with the likes of Esperanza Spalding, Joe Lovano, Terence Blanchard, Oliver Lake, Somi, and others comes up with a very nice album called „The Thought of You“.

Brown’s maiden voyage features an impressive roll call of artists including a core band consisting of pianist Robert Glasper, trumpeter Keyon Harrold, saxophonist John Ellis, and bassist Ben Williams, with organist Shedrick Mitchell and guitarist Nir Felder making special appearances. Singers Bilal, Gretchen Parlato, and Nikki Ross contribute standout performances that underscore the sentiments of the album’s co-producer, Derrick Hodge, who says, “Otis has become one of those drummers who once you hear him play, his experience becomes your experience in the moment.”

“Everything on this record is a part of me,” says Brown of the 11-track set which features originals from Brown and his bandmates as well as unexpected covers. The album embodies the essence of what Brown holds most dear: faith and family. These themes run throughout from a stunning gospel medley featuring Ross to the reinvention of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One” – one of two dedications to Brown’s wife – which is given a complete makeover with a new arrangement by Glasper and a moving vocal performance by Parlato.

Brown’s “family first” philosophy shines through right out of the gate with the album’s opener “The Way (Truth & Life),” co-written with Glasper. The highly energetic and lyrical piece features the album’s core quintet which, with the exception of Williams, re-assembles their college jazz ensemble from their days at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City.

“The most special thing about working with Otis is simply the joy he gets out of playing music; it's all over his face like a little kid,” says Glasper. “People have lost that joy and take playing too seriously.” This point is well illustrated on “The Thought of You”; a jam session-like trilogy weaved throughout the album which opens with a signature vamp from Glasper and Brown providing a knocking backbeat before the group breaks into a glorious swing with Bilal, a vocalist of astonishing versatility offering a rare glimpse at his bona fide jazz chops.

Robert Glasper, keyboards
Keyon Harrold, trumpet
John Ellis, saxophone
Ben Williams, bass
Otis Brown III, drums

Additional musicians:
Shedrick Mitchell, organ
Nir Felder, guitar
Bilal, vocals
Gretchen Parlato, vocals
Nikki Ross, vocals

Tracklist:
01. Otis Brown III - The Way (Truth & Life) (7:47)
02. Otis Brown III, Bilal - The Thought Of You - Part I (4:12)
03. Otis Brown III - Interlude I - TRUTH (1:29)
04. Otis Brown III - Stages Of Thought (7:18)
05. Otis Brown III - The Two Become One (For Paula) (6:51)
06. Otis Brown III, Gretchen Parlato - You’re Still The One (5:03)
07. Otis Brown III, Bilal - The Thought Of You - Part II (3:15)
08. Otis Brown III, Nikki Ross - I Love You Lord/We Exalt Thee/In The Beginning (8:21)
09. Otis Brown III, Bilal - The Thought Of You - Part III (5:28)
10. Otis Brown III, Nikki Ross - I Am Your Song (5:11)
11. Otis Brown III - Interlude II - LIFE (2:05)