Jaimeo Brown Transcendence: Work Songs

Drummer-composer-sonic conceptualist Jaimeo Brown delivers a compelling offering on this, his debut recording, weaving seemingly incongruous elements-Southern spirituals, East Indian music, jazz, blues and electronica-into a seamless patchwork.

In pursuit of his expressed intention to transform pain and deliverance into art, Brown assembles the core ensemble of tenor saxophonist JD Allen and guitarist and producer Chris Sholar, both steeped in the blues. The sacred music comes in the form of sampled spirituals by the Gee’s Bend Quilters Collective of rural Alabama. Vocalist Falu delivers the East Indian element and keyboardist Kelvin Sholar adds avant-jazz hues.