Zoh Amba featuring William Parker and Francisco Mela - O Life, O Light Vol. 2 LP

Since I first heard Zoh Amba on the record she did with Orcutt and Corsano last year I’ve been hanging out to hear more, and this album in particular, and it sure as hell has not disappointed!

Lining up alongside longtime Cecil Taylor bassist William Parker and Cuban drummer Francisco Mela, she rips on this session, tapping into the exploratory worlds of sax heroes Coltrane, Sanders, Ayler, Lancaster, McPhee etc.

In a world where comparisons to spiritual and free jazz musicians are overblown and a lot of contemporary jazz that taps into these histories feels hollow and new agey, but Amba and co. are the real deal! No BS, no gimmick, just hard, searching, melodic and occasionally skronking playing!

-Mitch