t is always fascinating to hear how progressive music from all possible directions can come together to create something new, as long as the right musicians are in the right places. On »Gratitude«, British composer and alto saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi takes on the role of catalyst, mixing styles and influences until origins and genres become irrelevant. The four-part musical suite was recorded by Kinoshi and her ten-piece ensemble Seed., DJ NikNak and members of the London Contemporary Orchestra at London’s Southbank Centre in March 2023.
»Gratitude« is Kinoshi’s first album for the Chicago jazz-not-jazz label International Anthem. To begin with, there is an atmosphere of moving from modal jazz to free jazz. Groove plays an important role. Soon, however, the boundaries to contemporary classical music become blurred as violins, piano and brass instruments make their appearance. Everything about this album is large: The band, the compositions and above all the ambition to create music that, according to Albert Ayler, should be »the healing power of the universe«.
