Renaissance

's career as a sideman, composer, and producer in jazz, R&B, and pop has been prolific. He's continuously pushed boundaries in order to blur and integrate genres. is his first studio recording in five years ( was released in 2007 in Europe and Japan, then re-released in the United States as in 2008). 's title reflects the idea that music needs a rebirth to keep up with the creative possibilities afforded by technology, and to reflect the ever-shifting, politically charged cultural landscape. The manner in which he posits this is anything but theoretical, however. may be the most emotive offering in 's catalog. Groove and firepower are near constants here. Jazz-funk, R&B, rock, post-bop, club-jazz, and more come together in a wide-ranging collection that is deeply focused and expertly sequenced. Using a revolving cast whose core is alto saxophonist , guitarist , and keyboardist , guests include trumpeters and , organist , and more. Things get off to a skittering start on "Detroit," with 's bass riding heard over a knotty jazz-funk groove. 's drums accent breaks in key sections, the souled-out horns highlight the choruses, and 's guitar nastily accents it all while 's alto solo is a monster. The cover of "Slipping Into Darkness" melds ' piano and ' organ with hand percussion, both trumpets, and 's funky reggae groove. The melody accents syncopation on the backbeat before weaving 's and 's "Get Up, Stand Up" in as a logical yet surprising extension. ' knotty piano solo illustrates the wide possibilities for jazz improvisation. "Jekyll & Hyde" combines alternate passages of elegant, soulful contemporary jazz with riff-driven rock as complement and push one another. "Revelation" is a rumbling modal jam with funky highlights and fine soloing by . "Goree (Go-ray)," with on bass clarinet, is a lilting, post-bop ballad with lovely melodic interplay; it was inspired by his visit to the House of Slaves on Goree Island, his feelings standing inside and reflecting on the horror of the slave experience. It's emotional quality contains numerous dimensions. It is a meditation on how the ends of the lives of these slaves as they knew them also birthed of the African-American experience, one of continued struggle that culturally evolved and transfromed into diverse musical forms that bore witness to tragedy but also triumph as the art created from this history has brought joy and meaning to individuals and societies across globe. Its tenderness and equanimity tells the whole story. "Cee-Tee-Eye," while a thoroughly contemporary jazz tune, pays excellent tribute to the inspiration of 's label. The set closer, a simple reading of "I'll Be There," showcases the bassist's gift for lyricism and understatement. is a lofty title, but the inspired performances puts on offer get very close to delivering on the ambition it promises. ~ Thom Jurek