Xenogenesis Suite Explained

Xenogenesis Suite is an album by American jazz flautist Nicole Mitchell with her Black Earth Ensemble, which was recorded in 2007 and released on Firehouse 12. The work was commissioned by Chamber Music America and premiered at Vision Festival XII in New York City. It was her first suite based on the Xenogenesis novels of American science fiction writer Octavia Butler.^[1]

Reception

In his review for AllMusic, François Couture states "Moving, intricate, and immediate, this album marks a paradigm shift in her work as a composer, toward a much more personal voice."

The Down Beat review by Greg Burk notes "Though the intent is to prod rather than please, Mitchell’s dyspeptic horn harmonies possess a coarse beauty."^[2]

The All About Jazz review by Troy Collins says "A surprisingly effective combination of disturbing surrealism delivered with raw emotion and lyrical experimentation, Xenogenesis Suite is an endlessly rewarding listen."^[3]

The Penguin Jazz Guide observed "Mitchell has made a considerable splash with her Black Earth Ensemble, whose music is not so much a throwback to 40 years ago as a strong reminder of how much has moved forward in cultural politics. Some of the creative ethos is still the same though, and there is no mistaking the power in Mitchell's writing. ... The ensemble is tightly disciplined but still free to explore the dimensions of Mitchell's big ideas on their own individual terms".^[4]

Track listing

All compositions by Nicole Mitchell

1. "Wonder" – 4:56
2. "Transition A" – 5:54
3. "Smell of Fear" – 5:36
4. "Sequence Shadows" – 4:42
5. "Oankali" – 4:22
6. "Adrenalin" – 5:43
7. "Transition C" – 5:49
8. "Before and After" – 6:39
9. "Down of a New Life" – 7:01

Personnel

• Nicole Mitchell – flute
• David Boykin – tenor sax
• David Young – trumpet, flugelhorn
• Mankwe Ndosi – vocals
• Tomeka Reid – cello
• Justin Dillard – piano
• Josh Abrams – bass
• Marcus Evans – drums
• Arveeayl Ra – percussion

Notes and References

1. http://firehouse12records.com/album/xenogenesis-suite Xenogenesis Suite
2. Burk, Greg. Xenogenesis Suite review. Down Beat October 8: page 83. Print.
3. Collins, Troy. Xenogenesis Suite review at All About Jazz
4. Book: Morton, Brian. Brian Morton (Scottish writer). Richard Cook . Richard Cook (journalist) . The Penguin Jazz Guide: The History of the Music in the 1001 Best Albums . 1992. 10th . The Penguin Guide to Jazz. 2010. Penguin. New York. 978-0-14-104831-4. 726–727.