Afrika Rising is an album by jazz flautist Nicole Mitchell with her group Black Earth Ensemble. It was released in 2002 by Dreamtime, Mitchell's own label.
Contents
Reception
The Exclaim! review by David Dacks says "Afrika Rising builds on Mitchell's successful debut, Vision Quest, a year ago and is forward-thinking jazz that swings like crazy." JazzTimes wrote: "The music is deeply informed by African rhythm and counterpoint as well as by big-band jazz of both the classic and eccentric (à la Sun Ra) varieties. Mitchell uses many voices masterfully, none more so than her own".
Track listing
All compositions by Nicole Mitchell except where noted.
"Afrika Rising Mvmt I: The Ancient Power Awakens" – 8:34
"Afrika Rising Mvmt II: Metemorphosis" – 7:33
"Afrika Rising Mvmt III: Intergalactic Healing" – 5:39
"Peaceful Village Town" – 5:17
"Emerging Light" – 0:53
"Umoja (intro)" – 1:01
"Umoja" – 5:42
"Bluerise" – 10:49
"Goldmind" (melody from "Wade in the Water", traditional) – 2:07
"Wheatgrass" – 7:57
"Toward Vision Quest" – 3:21
Personnel
Nicole Mitchell – flute, piccolo, vocals
David Boykin – saxophone, clarinet, vocals
Tony Herrera – trombone, shells, vocals
Steve Berry – trombone
Savoir Faire – violin, vocals
Edith Yokley – violin
Tomeka Reid – cello
Miles Tate III – piano
Jim Baker – piano
Wanda Bishop – piano, vocals
Darius Savage – double bass
Josh Abrams – bass, vocals
Hamid Drake – drums
Isaiah Spencer – drums
Arveeayl Ra – drums, vocals
Jovia Armstrong – percussion
Coco Elysses – percussion