Having collaborated with artists as different as Kendrick Lamar and Sara Garazek, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire is arguably one of today's most diverse artists of any genre. His own releases showcase this same musical variety, with his latest recording Origami Harvest featuring the Mivos String Quartet and the rapper Kool A.D., along with more familiar jazz ensemble instrumentation. However, in each musical situation he finds himself in, Ambrose's strength as a creative artist shines through.
Whether you're a diehard fan or new listener, scroll down to enjoy our list of standout recordings that include Ambrose to help prepare you for his upcoming residency. .
a blooming bloodfruit in a hoodie - Origami Harvest by Ambrose Akinmusire (2018) [Explicit]
In the opening track to Origami Harvest, the trumpeter maintains an important background presence, improvising comments on Kool A.D.'s flow and only emerging for a traditional "solo" in the song's final section.
³§³Ù²¹²ú±ô±ð³¾²¹³Ù±ð²õÌý- Prelude ... to Cora by Ambrose Akinmusire (2009)
This duet with pianist Aaron Parks from Ambrose's debut album turns this well-known Benny Golson composition inside out.
A Season of Doubt - Neuroplasticity by Cold Specks (2014)
Several layers of Ambrose's trumpet immediately set the tone for this somber track, which comes off of a recording from Canadian singer-songwriter .Ìý
Cyclic Episode - Live in Paris by Walter Smith III (2009)
Featuring the ensemble of saxophonist Walter Smith III, this live cut showcases Ambrose weaving his way through this classic Sam Rivers tune in a forward-thinking improvised solo.Ìý
Mortal Man - To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar (2015) [Explicit]
In a , Ambrose summed up the spirit behind this recording better than we ever could. "I really do think that jazz and hip-hop are not like each other, they are the same thing. So, it's kind of an oxymoron to me when you say jazz/hip-hop collaboration. If you really look at [jazz in] the '70s, with the electronics and stuff like that, I think hip-hop picked up right where that left off. I think that's the natural progression of jazz, and I think this album proves that."
Mela - Esperanza by Esperanza Spalding (2008)
The blend between Esperanza's voice and Ambrose's trumpet during the melody is about as close to perfect as imaginable, and he takes a fantastic solo to boot.Ìý
Can't We Elope - A Rise in the Road by the Yellowjackets (2013)
Even over a more straight-ahead groove (that's likely a nod to Herbie Hancock's Cantelope Island), Ambrose still finds freedom while improvising and sounds very much like himself.
Ambrose Akinmusire will appear as a Catherine Thornhill Steele Guest Artist at the Schulich School of Music from March 18 to 20, 2019.Ìý
