Gary Bartz And Maisha Spark An Intergenerational Conversation

  I  
Image

Gary Bartz collaborated with the UK-based ensemble Maisha for Gary Bartz & Maisha—Night Dreamer Direct-To-Disc Sessions.

(Photo: Elaine Groenestein)

With or without lyrics, the conversation had to happen.

“Some of the musicians didn’t understand, so they felt uncomfortable, especially when I say, ‘I won’t raise you and your children no more.’ Coming from England, they didn’t know I was talking about the mammies that would suckle the so-called white babies, when the mammies had their own kids to suckle.”

That conversation led to a larger discussion on intention. The inclusion of “Uhuru Sasa” on Night Dreamer begged the question: How might a shift in context affect the music’s message?

“We thought, majority white musicians from the UK playing that song in the time that we’re playing it maybe doesn’t make sense,” said Long. “But Gary felt that [the] song can transcend.”

During their discussions, Bartz shared a memory from years ago when he was performing in Germany. He received a pointed declaration from a number of listeners citing dissatisfaction with his NTU Troop repertoire, because they didn’t really understand it.

“I said, ‘Well that’s OK. I understand if you didn’t really like it,’” said Bartz. “‘I wasn’t really writing that music for you. I was writing it for my community, my people.’”

Three days at Artone studio in the Netherlands yielded five tracks teeming with texture, lyrical storytelling and a pervasive heartbeat—at once refined and raw. And while Bartz and Maisha credit the album’s organic nature with deep listening and a sensitive understanding of each other’s tendencies, they’re looking forward to further developing a sound of their own.

Long hopes Night Dreamer will serve to whet the listener’s appetite for what’s to come.

“The reason I’m so excited to get back on tour is to build up that band relationship [with Gary] and develop a really strong concept,” Long said, “as opposed to a moment in time captured in performance.” DB

Page 2 of 2   < 1 2


  • sitting.jpg

    In addition to his work with Snarky Puppy, Martin freelanced as a keyboardist, producer and music director with prominent gospel and R&B musicians.

  • 0c3c86_2fd4930d4a61477c8516238ae334ebb5~mv2_d_2000_1335_s_2_copy.jpeg

    Jim Rotondi was acclaimed for his wide, round trumpet tone, remarkable virtuosity and assured swing.

  • DB24_Charles_Lloyd_by_Douglas_Mason_at_New_Orleans_Jazz_Fest.jpg

    Charles Lloyd, seen here at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, makes DownBeat Poll history!

  • Russell_Malone_4x6_751_copy.jpg

    In addition to his instrumental prowess, Malone was praised for his musical generosity and his singular sense of humor.

  • fcc5c549-6c45-1372-65ab-e350cf1a7cd3_copy.jpg

    ​The Year of Alice initiative, celebrating the life work of Alice Coltrane, runs from 2024 to 2025.


On Sale Now
September 2024
Jacob Collier
Look Inside
Subscribe
Print | Digital | iPad