Wadada Leo Smith
Five months ago, veteran trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith hit the Bay Area to team up with fledgling bassist Damon Smith. Waves of envy rippled through the local jazz scene -- the 24-year-old bassist was less than half Leo's age and had at that point only been playing upright for a mere 18 months (a "baby" in jazz time). Further, the trumpeter's 30-plus years of experience extend to membership in Chicago's seminal AACM of the '60s and fruitful collaborations with pioneers like Leroy Jenkins and Anthony Braxton, who regard him as a major force in creative music. Few locals thought Smith the younger would be able to keep up with the master. But he toughed out the gig, and the trumpeter sufficiently enjoyed the experience to book another concert with Damon on four-string (and Positive Knowledge's Spirit once again on traps). To beef up and ensure an unpredictable frontline, Damon enlisted poet Harumi Mankino Smith and saxophonist John Tchicai, whose history includes stints with John Coltrane and Cecil Taylor. To top it off, Leo will also perform duets with Positive Knowledge's heavy multi-instrumentalist (especially on bass clarinet), Oluyemi Thomas. Expect a fervent alliance of kindred spirits (and jealous sneers from those on the outs).
-- Sam Prestianni
Wadada Leo Smith appears with Oluyemi Thomas and with John Tchicai, Spirit, Damon Smith, and Harumi Mankino Smith on Friday, Feb. 28, at 8:30 p.m. at Beanbender's, 2295 Shattuck, Berkeley. Tickets are $10; call (510) 597-1769.
