The African diaspora is Herlin Riley’s realm, from New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward to the heart of New York City. As heard on one of New Direction’s most provocative cuts, “Connection to Congo Square,” the drummer tonally and rhythmically draws inspiration from the percussive heritage of those who, unwillingly, arrived from the far-off continent onto these shores. In New Orleans, their syncopated beats were fortunately allowed to fill the air on Sunday afternoons. They remain present in the tradition of the Mardi Gras Indians and became the backbone of jazz.
“Connection to Congo Square,” one of seven Riley originals on the disc, wondrously represents the past and present, here and there and in and out of the evolution of jazz music. Saxophonist Godwin Louis truly takes it around the world in a dynamically and spiritually uplifting manner. Cuba-born guest percussionist Pedrito Martinez reinforces the international flavor with his congas in a call-and-response mode with Riley’s powerful trap set.
Riley strikes a cowbell to open another percussion-driven number, “The Crossbar.” The excellent piano of Emmet Cohen gets into the act, reminding one of the instrument’s rhythmic strength. He and Riley make for some excellent foils in creating excitement. Bruce Harris’ trumpet then strongly calls out to, it seems, gather the tribe.
The album holds sophisticated moments, as on the gentle “Shake off the Dust.” It’s played warmly in a straight-up jazz style with the horns working in unison followed by distinctive saxophone, trumpet and piano solos. Riley, as always, displays his tasty finesse as a drummer and a melodic composer in quieter situations. Riley grabs the tambourine, as he often does on initially taking a stage, for the disc’s closer, the legendary guitarist/banjoist/vocalist Danny Barker’s whimsical “Tootie Ma,” which is New Orleans second linin’ all the way.
On New Direction, Riley, who stands as a link in the historic lineage of outstanding New Orleans drummers, brings it all just as he has throughout his entire career. A hugely talented artist with a diverse musical background, Herlin Riley obviously has fun doing just that.
