America's National Parks
Wadada Leo Smith · 2016
96 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A sweeping exploration of America’s natural landscapes through evocative jazz improvisation and nuanced storytelling.
Why this album works
This album received significant recognition for its ambitious scope, intertwining environmental consciousness with jazz, leading to praise from critics like DownBeat and earning a Grammy nomination. The work is seen as part of a broader movement within jazz that emphasizes storytelling through music, reflecting on the relationship between nature and culture.
- Best for
- sweeping explorations of nature patient unfolding of narratives immersive soundscapes for reflection
- Context
- When 'America's National Parks' was released in 2016, Wadada Leo Smith was already an established figure in avant-garde jazz, known for his innovative compositions and collaborations. This album followed his critically acclaimed works, including the notable 'The Great Lakes' (2015), and further solidified his commitment to blending music with environmental themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Prince· Diana Ross· Bob Dylan· Christina Aguilera· Barbra Streisand· Chicago· Aretha Franklin· Madonna
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 New Orleans: The National Culture Park USA 1718 Standout 20:59
- 2 Eileen Jackson Southern,1920-2002: A Literary National Park 9:40
- 3 Yellowstone: The First National Park and the Spirit of America – The Mountains, Super-Volcano Caldera and Its Ecosystem 1872 12:35
Disc 2
- 1 The Mississippi River: Dark and Deep Dreams Flow the River – a National Memorial Park c. 5000 BC Standout 31:07
- 2 Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks: The Giant Forest, Great Canyon, Cliffs, Peaks, Waterfalls and Cave Systems 1890 6:46
- 3 Yosemite: The Glaciers, the Falls, the Wells and the Valley of Goodwill 1890 Standout 15:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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