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Da-Da

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Da-Da
Studio album by
Released1986
StudioSound Ideas Studios
GenreJazz
Length34:24
LabelColumbia[1]
ProducerArthur Blythe (all tracks), Bruce Purse (track 2), Vincent Henry (tracks 2 and 3)
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

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The album was coproduced by Bruce Purse.[5] Blythe made heavy use of synthesizers.[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 version of the Roland Hanna song; "Crescent" is an interpretation of the John Coltrane song.[9][10]

Critical reception

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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."[14] The Omaha World-Herald concluded that "Dara's contributions show that he continues to be a promising talent deserving of his own leadership date."[15]

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"7:32
2."Splain Thang"5:32
3."Esquinas (Corners)"4:55
4."Crescent"6:34
5."Break Tune"5:39
6."After Paris"4:11

References

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  1. ^ Thompson, Dave (April 2, 2019). Goldmine Record Album Price Guide. Penguin.
  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 & Dr. John". The Washington Post. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  5. ^ "For the Record". Billboard. Vol. 99, no. 18. May 10, 1986. p. 84.
  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. ^ McClary, Eric (May 25, 1986). "Jazz". Reno Gazette-Journal. p. 8E.
  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". AllMusic.
  12. ^ a b "Arthur Blythe". Robert Christgau.
  13. ^ Larkin, Colin (2006). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 1. MUZE. p. 718.
  14. ^ Sleight, Peter (June 1, 1986). "Arthur Blythe, who has always perched blithely on the edge of the avant-garde...". Sun-Sentinel. p. 3G.
  15. ^ Smith, Will (July 20, 1986). "Saxist Blythe Returns In Satisfying Collection". Entertainment. Omaha World-Herald.