Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra
India & Africa: A Tribute to John Coltrane
Water Baby Records
www.waterbabyrecords.com
By George W. Harris

Recorded “live” at Yoshi’s over two gigs from 09 and 10, this disc is a clever concept; put together a big band that mixes American and Indian styled musicians, and arrange Coltrane’s famous modal pieces like “India” and “Africa” to see what happens. The band takes awhile to get into the mood on “Living Space,” but eventually finds the right spot on “India,” and especially on a fiery “Ole’” with some great solos by Marcia Miget/fl, Henry Hung/tp and Melecio Magdaluyo/as. Masaru Koga delivers the goods on a thriving “Africa” while Kenneth Nash is fervently percussive on “Exaltation” and “Percussion Discussion.” Even “Amazing Grace” is given a cameo performance, demonstrating the real need of the world, and the drive behind Coltrane’s music. Exciting, and a clever recreation with a pleasant amount of creation.