Da-Da

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Da-Da
Studio album by
Released1986
LabelColumbia[1]
Arthur Blythe chronology
Put Sunshine in It
(1984)
Da-Da
(1986)
Basic Blythe
(1987)

Da-Da is an album by the American saxophonist Arthur Blythe, released in 1986.[2][3] Its title came from Blythe's son.[4]

Production[edit]

The album was coproduced by Bruce Purse.[5] Blythe made heavy use of synthesizers on the album.[6] He considered some of the songs a return to the dance and blues styles of his youth.[7] Olu Dara played cornet.[8] John Hicks played piano.[4]

"After Paris" is a cover of the Roland Hanna song; "Crescent" is a cover of the John Coltrane song.[9][10]

Critical reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[11]
Robert ChristgauB[12]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music[13]

Robert Christgau wrote that "Blythe is a major musician and except for one piece of dinky funk this passes pleasantly enough, but its conceptual confusion epitomizes jazz's commercial impasse."[12] The Ottawa Citizen stated that Blythe "can range freely from boppish lines through to free form and funk, with intermediate stops to sample the ideas of John Coltrane, Mid-East tonalities, gospel roots and latin rhythms."[9]

The Sun-Sentinel deemed Da-Da "a multifaceted and perfectly balanced recording steeped in the essence of jazz."[8] The Omaha World-Herald concluded that "Dara's contributions show that he continues to be a promising talent deserving of his own leadership date."[14]

AllMusic wrote that "'Splain Thang', with its electronic rhythms, is a bit commercial but Bob Stewart's crazy electric tuba solo holds one's interest."[11]

Track listing[edit]

No.TitleLength
1."Odessa" 
2."Splain Thang" 
3."Esquinas (Corners)" 
4."Crescent" 
5."Break Tune" 
6."After Paris" 

References[edit]

  1. ^ Thompson, Dave (April 2, 2019). "Goldmine Record Album Price Guide". Penguin – via Google Books.
  2. ^ Miller, Mark (5 June 1986). "Da-Da Arthur Blythe". The Globe and Mail. p. C5.
  3. ^ Varga, George (June 8, 1986). "Eclectic jazzman Blythe coming 'home' with Leaders". The San Diego Union-Tribune. p. E3.
  4. ^ a b "Hank Crawford &". The Washington Post. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  5. ^ "For the Record". Billboard. 99 (18): 84. May 10, 1986.
  6. ^ Quill, Greg (14 Nov 1986). "Blythe probing limits of jazz". Toronto Star. p. D12.
  7. ^ Emerson, Bo (June 3, 1988). "Blythe Spirit – Alto saxophonist is at ease with all black music forms". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. p. P1.
  8. ^ a b Sleight, Peter (June 1, 1986). "Arthur Blythe, who has always perched blithely on the edge of the avant-garde...". Sun-Sentinel. p. 3G.
  9. ^ a b Moody, Lois (27 June 1986). "Arthur Blythe Da-Da". Ottawa Citizen. p. F5.
  10. ^ Hadekel, Peter (31 July 1986). "The mark of an accomplished jazz soloist...". The Gazette. Montreal. p. B5.
  11. ^ a b "Arthur Blythe - Da-Da Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  12. ^ a b "Robert Christgau: CG: Arthur Blythe". www.robertchristgau.com.
  13. ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 1. MUZE. p. 718.
  14. ^ Smith, Will (July 20, 1986). "Saxist Blythe Returns In Satisfying Collection". Entertainment. Omaha World-Herald.