Donald Edwards

On his second Criss Cross leader date, "Prelude to Real Life", drummer Donald Edwards picks up where he left off with the next installment of an autobiographical narrative in notes and tones

Whereas in his debut, "Evolution of an Influenced Mind" , Edwards conveyed the story of his formative years as a musician with eleven original compositions, here he addresses themes of love, family and fatherhood with an engaging suite comprising six kinetic, diverse originals of his and one by Alex Sipiagin, two personalized standards (Thelonious Monk's Skippy; Benny Golson's Stablemates); and three textural drum interludes.

Rejoining him from the first date are pianist Orrin Evans and tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, both Criss Cross veterans, guitarist David Gilmore, while rising star Luques Curtis assuming the bass chair. Edwards' old friend Nicholas Payton plays keyboards on three tracks, and eminent New York singer Vivian Sessoms lends her voice to three selections. Edwards unifies the proceedings with the big beat, impeccable taste, and creative spirit that have made him a New York first-caller since he moved to the Apple 15 years ago.

PERSONNEL:

DONALD EDWARDS drums
WALTER SMITH III tenor sax
DAVID GILMORE guitar
ORRIN EVANS piano
LUQUES CURTIS organ
JEFF “TAIN” WATTS drums

New York, September 14, 2015

TRACKS:

01. Taking Shape
02. Incantation
03. Hop Scotch
04. Apple Street
05. Way To Her
06. King
07. Queen And The Princess
08. Stablemates
09. Beautiful Intuition
10. Thought For The Day
11. Skippy
12. Prelude To Real Life