Morning Comrades.
As many of you know my starting point for any creative work has and will always be music. I cannot think of anything that I have made, from art shows to music itself, books, art, posters and everything in between that was not directly influenced by music. One of the many reasons I have taken a break from making art work in the traditional sense is that I felt like whatever I was making failed to translate what was in my head and since I no longer have the luxury of time to make music, writing is as close as it gets to translating the noise up there into a coherent form, for me as much as for you.
Early last week after coming home from work I had a moment to finally sit down and spend some time with the new André 3000 album, “New Blue Sun” after having been bombarded with memes and shit takes on this record. I was floored. Much like the recent Floating Points and Pharoah Sanders record “Promises” record, which, and this goes without saying is an absolute masterpiece, “New Blue Sun” set a similar tone for me. I immediately wanted to write about it but fully understood that this wasn’t my place to do so. Hence, today’s extra special guest appearence by none other than my dearest of friends Maurice Pendarvis.
Aside from the decades of stories I could and shouldn’t share about us, his pedigree as a writer, a fan and understander of music / and art in general demanded that I ask him to write about this record, and of course, he did. “New Blue Sun” is more than just a record, it is a bold statement in art, politics and self-awareness wrapped into beauty by one of the finest artist of our generations.
Thank you Maurice for writing the below. Get into it.
Yours, warmly,
Steven
André 3000’s “New Blue Sun” by Maurice Pendarvis
Welcome to a spoiler-free zone, where I'll spare you any moments of self-aggrandizement. There are no delusions of grandeur here, just a straightforward suggestion: take a moment to listen. Your judgment is the true arbiter of taste. Embrace the freedom to decide for yourself—undoubtedly, it's the way to go.
In the ever-changing world of music, Andre 3000, half of the iconic OutKast duo, has once again pushed the boundaries of creativity with his latest creation, "New Blue Sun." Beyond showcasing Andre 3000's mastery of musical innovation, the album takes a bold step into the roots of Free Form Jazz. This genre, deeply rooted in the diverse traditions of African American Jazz artists, becomes the focal point of our exploration. Let's dive into the symbiotic relationship between Andre 3000's "New Blue Sun" and the historical foundations of Free Form Jazz, paying particular attention to his newfound connection with the flute. This lens positions the album as a continuation of the profound history of African Americans forging groundbreaking artistic paths.
Track #1, bearing the candid title "I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A 'Rap' Album, But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time," stands out as a paradoxically straightforward declaration within the intricate tapestry of "New Blue Sun." Despite its apparent irony, this track is the anchor, grounding the listener in the artist's genuine intent and the whimsical nature of creative inspiration.
The Evolution of Free-Form Jazz
Free Form Jazz, a revolutionary musical form born in the mid-20th century, owes its inception to the artistic innovations of African American Jazz trailblazers. Icons such as John Coltrane, whose spiritually charged improvisations stretched the genre's boundaries, and Miles Davis, a pioneer in modal jazz, played pivotal roles in shaping Free Form Jazz. With his groundbreaking album "Free Jazz," Ornette Coleman championed collective improvisation, challenging established norms of structure and harmony. These visionaries laid the groundwork for Free Form Jazz, a genre that celebrates improvisation and experimentation.
Andre 3000's Sonic Exploration with the Flute
"New Blue Sun" delves into the rich tapestry of Free Form Jazz and represents an evolution in African American artistic expression. Andre 3000's newfound love for the contrabass flute, Mayan flutes, and bamboo flutes — along with other digital wind instruments prominently featured in the album, introduces a distinctive layer to this sonic exploration. In the broader context of African American musical history, the flute's usage hearkens back to the roots of jazz and blues, where diverse instrumentation and improvisation were celebrated as essential cultural expressions. The album emerges as a contemporary manifestation of this artistic evolution, paying homage to the ongoing contributions of African American musicians shaping the ever-evolving musical landscape.
Collaborations and Musical Diversity
"New Blue Sun" features an ensemble of virtuoso musicians, each contributing a unique perspective to the album's sonic canvas. This collaborative effort, reminiscent of the communal spirit within African American artistic communities, echoes the historical synergy that birthed influential movements in music and art. The flute, skillfully played by Andre 3000 and seamlessly woven into the ensemble's collective sound, symbolizes this collaborative journey, bridging the past and present through the universal language of music.
The contributions of Free Form Jazz musicians extend beyond its inception to a continued legacy of innovation. Artists such as Pharoah Sanders, a collaborator with Coltrane, infused intensity, and spirituality into Free Form Jazz through their work. With his avant-garde approach, Cecil Taylor emphasized dissonance and extended techniques, expanding the genre's sonic horizons. Sun Ra, a cosmic jazz pioneer, fused traditional jazz with science fiction and Afrocentrism elements, crafting a unique and influential body of work.
African American Artistic Innovation
The legacy of African American artistic innovation spans literature, visual arts, dance, and more. From the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement, African American artists consistently challenge societal norms, redefining cultural landscapes. "New Blue Sun" stands as a contemporary contribution to this legacy, carrying forward the torch of innovation and artistic exploration, characterizing the work of African American creators for generations.
"New Blue Sun" transcends the traditional confines of an album; it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of African American artistic innovation. Through its exploration of Free Form Jazz, homage to historical musical pioneers, and the incorporation of the flute as a means of expression, the album becomes a dynamic extension of the rich history of African Americans forging groundbreaking artistic paths. Andre 3000's New Blue Sun serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact African American artists have had on shaping the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of artistic expression, inspiring future generations to push the limits of creative exploration.