Mwata Bowden - 1 Foot In-1 Foot Out (2019)

Critically acclaimed woodwindist Mwata Bowden's One Foot In One Foot Out CD features a cross generational ensemble that includes fellow Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicans (AACM) cohorts reedist Ari Brown, drummer Avreeayl Ra, bassist Harrison Bankhead, trumpeter Leon Q. Allen and spoken word artist Khari B. Bowden can be heard on dozens of recordings, from rhythm and blues artists in the 70s to Edward Wilkerson s 8 Bold Souls to Tatsu Aoki s Miyumi Ensemble, but this is his first recording of his own compositions. Not surprisingly, those compositions range from reminiscences of the days when 47th Street was swinging and the Bronzeville neighborhood where Bowden grew up was a rich tapestry of African American culture, to a graphic notation composition drawn in the shape of a four leaf clover, connecting to Bowden s interest in organic shapes and structure. Discopoet Khari B, who could often be seen writing spontaneous poems during AACM s Great Black Music Ensemble performances, penned Praising Mama Ann, a moving tribute to his band mate and mentor vocalist Ann E. Ward, among other spoken word collaborations on One Foot In, One Foot Out.