With a record like this, it's hard to believe that Christian Scott started out
in more standard jazz – as Chief Xian Atunde Adjuah is a very different artist altogether, one who wraps together worlds and eras of musical heritage – working here
in a set that's very heavy on percussion, vocal refrains, and other elements you never would have heard
in his earlier music! The leader works a whole host of percussion along with other members of the group, but also adds
in some larger production elements too – always
in a way that's nicely subtle, and preserves the acoustic energy at the core – yet which really enriches the proceedings too! The album's overflowing with righteous power – and titles include "On To New Orleans", "Bark Out Thunder Roar Out Lighting", "Xodokan Iko Hu Na Ney", "Trouble That Mornin", "Blood Calls Blood", "Ashe Chief Donald", "Golden Crown", and "Shallow Water".
(Jazz, Global Grooves)