South Side Street Songs Explained

South Side Street Songs
Type:studio
Artist:Ernest Dawkins
Cover:South_side_street_songs_cover.jpeg
Border:yes
Released:1994
Recorded:January 15 & 16, 1993
Studio:Sparrow Sound Design, Chicago
Genre:Jazz
Length:65:47
Label:Silkheart
Producer:Ernest Dawkins
Chronology:Ernest Dawkins
Prev Title:After the Dawn Has Risen
Prev Year:1992
Next Title:Chicago Now, Vol. 1
Next Year:1995

South Side Street Songs is an album by American jazz saxophonist Ernest Dawkins' New Horizons Ensemble, which was recorded in 1993 and released on the Swedish Silkheart label. "Maghostut" is dedicated to bassist Malachi Favors, who replaced Ben Israel on New Horizons' first European tour in 1986, and also to the Art Ensemble of Chicago. "El Hajj" is for El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X).[1]

Reception

In his review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow says that the band "perform eight diverse pieces which cover a variety of moods, are not shy to swing, and temporarily embrace melodies. Each selection is stirring and full of surprises and fire."

The Penguin Guide to Jazz notes that "The influence of the Art Ensemble of Chicago weighs heavily" on the album.[2]

The Cadence Magazine review by Glenn Good says "Given the strength of South Side Street Songs, it is almost frightening to think that this band probably still has a lot of unrealized potential. Certainly the broad stylistic terrain mapped out here would reward further exploration. In the meantime, we have this noteworthy milestone, which ranks with the best of Silkheart's stellar jazz catalog.".[1]

Track listing

All compositions by Ernest Dawkins

  1. "Whence to Whither" – 14:01
  2. "Maghostut" – 8:50
  3. "Goldfinger" – 6:15
  4. "Half-Step for Granny" – 3:47
  5. "Ashes and Dust" – 5:46
  6. "El Hajj" – 4:43
  7. "Just Is Me" – 13:06
  8. "Maghostut Two" – 8:59

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. http://www.silkheart.se/release.php?catno=132 South Side Street Songs
  2. Book: Cook, Richard. Richard Cook (journalist). Brian Morton. Brian Morton (Scottish writer). The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD. 8th. The Penguin Guide to Jazz. 2006. Penguin. London. 0141023279. 336. registration.