Moment in Time Jessie Allen Cooper | ||||||||||||
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Jessie Allen Cooper has (for the third time) come up with a brilliant recording, one that encompasses his deep commitment to the multi-ethnic world music he has become identified with. following on the heels of his highly acclaimed Narada album, Soft Wave, Cooper's haunting soprano saxophone graces ten works either written or co-written by him. Moment in Time is marked by incredible musicianship. In addition to spotlighting the talents of some of the key musicians from Cooper's band (who have played with such renowned artists as James Ingram, Al Green, Rickie Lee Jones, Randy Newman, Bette Midler, Jose Feliciano and Nicolette Larson), Moment in Time also features several notable guest instrumentalists: Russ Freeman, the Rippingtons' guitarist and founder, also has numerous solo projects, which have racked up sales in excess of over 1 million. Here he can be heard on nylon and steel string guitars, as well as guitar synthesizer on "Mystical Illusion." Another musical eminence can be found on "Amazon," in the form of Brazilian guitarist Ricardo Silviera. Coincidentally, Silviera chose a song entitled "Amazon Secrets" for his own 1990 album which sold over 60,000 units. "In My Heart" boasts the presence of Japanese koto player Osamu Kitajima, who is one of the most recorded koto players in the United States. Kitajima brought along his favorite shakuhachi flutist, Masakazu Yoshizawa. That same track features the album's only vocal, performed by Belinda Skinner. Keyboardist Rob Mullins, a Nova recording artist, plays, arranges and orchestrates the lovely song "Julianna." Four tracks contain the work of violinist Tony Selvage, who is considered an early originator of "new age" music. Moment in Time offers an extremely broad range of musical styles with impressive synthesizer programming, the occasional use of the Chapman stick (as played by Blake Lewin), and, of course, Cooper's imaginative compositions. An accolade needs to be given to Steve Reid, who is percussionist on all but two tracks- and also is co-producer of this memorable set of provocative music which, as Jessie himself sees it, "represents a moment in time for someone... whether it's driving in their car to a special place, cooking dinner, making love... because that's where I want my music to be -- like a companion." "All of these melodies have a life of their own ... I didn't write most of them, I dreamt them... each one is a unique moment in time. I want to acknowledge everyone who believes in what they do... who strives to make the world a better place... who risks it all to follow their dreams." |