专辑简介

‘Renaissance Man,’ an expression of rank and degree however well worn, displaced by a generation of modern technology and time is certainly applicable to Art “Turk” Burton. Musician, scholar, husband and roustabout artist extraordinaire “Turk” as he is know by friends & family worldwide is the consummate ‘Renaissance Man.’

Establishing himself as one of the most important rhythmic improvisers of our era, Turk has gone on to conquer as a vital conga and bongo drummer in many varied musical traditions from pop; R&B; Latin and mainstream jazz. Proving himself night after night on the bandstand, in the neighborhood festivals to the concert halls, his music always lends itself a freshness only top players of distinction can imagine much less realize.

The aptly entitled “Spirits: Then & Now” is indeed a long time coming. A panorama of styles, this session achieves a full tilt scope of his consummate work in the trenches, both as a leader and sideman, in far too many groups to mention.

“Spirits Then & Now” has a sustained edgy quality, an energy immersed in all the unseen and mystical forces of Black song, from the clarion cry of classic gospel, to the blues drenched call and response of urban jazz and back. “Spirits Then & Now” proves Art Turk Burton to be a leader acknowledging the inner secrets of leading quietly from the background so that the greater whole is presented with a panoramic command of authority, emotional complexity and compelling nuance of intent. His music speaks to the socio-political gravity of our era, the cultural maelstrom of East to West and beyond. As mentor Muhal Richard Abrams once subliminally suggested these are the ‘Spirits of things to come from those now gone.’ Or as the AACM’s guiding credo intones “Ancient To the Future: Great Black Music.” Music of a new renaissance, from ‘Renaissance Man,’ Art “Turk” Burton.