Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Barry Deister Quintet: An African Suite

Barry Deister Quintet: An African Suite

By Scott Lichtman
March 12, 2025
View read count

It is not uncommon for jazz artists to borrow from world music to enliven their pieces—adding a dash of spice as it were. It is even rarer (with Latin jazz being an exception) for musicians to dive deeply into indigenous music forms and deliver an authentic, integrated sonic concept. Most unique are album-length projects that successfully meld genres while delivering an ear-pleasing, swinging whole.

In this most special category comes An African Suite, a remarkable album from

Barry Deister

saxophone, tenor
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">Barry Deister, a mature composer, deft tenor sax/flutist and cohering band leader. Deister has played with

Anthony Braxton

woodwinds
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Anthony Braxton and

Bobby Hutcherson

vibraphone
1941 - 2016

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Hutcherson among others.

The suite incorporates at its rhythmic core the instruments and patterns of West African music. Each of the songs is based on archetypal songs or dances, such as Agbadza, Gahu and Kpanlogo.

The first song, "Afrodite," opens with multi-tracked percussion providing a foundation upon which tenor and trumpeter (warm-toned

Paul Mazzio

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Mazzio) play an anthemic, unison melody.

Deister says it has taken him 45 years of exploring African music to become comfortable recording this blend of indigenous sounds and jazz. He first was introduced to this style in the 1970s by saxophonist Ron Dewar, who was transcribing sound clips for his Master's thesis. Since then, Deister has visited Ghana and has performed with West African music and dance masters.

Each piece in this collection doubles as a multiple-play-worthy jazz morsel. "Sahara Breeze," for example, harmonizes flugelhorn with flute over a 6/8 ostinato then injects fresh emotion through a choicefully constructed upright bass solo by

Tim Gilson

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Tim Gilson. "Bad Ju Ju" has a bit of a funky "Love Supreme" hook to it.

The entire quintet is top-notch. Deister and Mazzio play off each other, dropping in modern and free jazz phrasings. Pianist

Randy Porter

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Randy Porter complements the complex percussion with syncopated, closed chords and light-fingered solos. The cymbal and snare work of drummer

Tim Rap

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Tim Rap blends seamlessly with the percussion. The core quintet has been performing with each other for 30 years in different incarnations, but it might surprise you that the band is based in Portland, Oregon.

As for the African-and jazz-trained guest musician, percussionist

Israel Annoh

percussion

" data-original-title="" title="">Israel Annoh, Deister states "the project would not have been possible without him." Annoh was given the latitude to interpret the African rhythms as befits the compositions, making the project even more special than just "authentic."

Deister's entire discography is well worth a listen. Its original material is heavily influenced by '60s jazz. Deister albums such as East/West Dialogue and Melbourne Memories effortlessly references styles including

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk romps,

John Coltrane

saxophone
1926 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">John Coltrane quintets, stripped-down

Gil Evans

composer / conductor
1912 - 1988

" data-original-title="" title="">Gil Evans ballads, and the clipped, soulful tones of saxophonist

Gene Ammons

saxophone, tenor
1925 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Gene Ammons. The compositions consistently offer beautiful melodies supported by satisfying harmonic progressions.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Afrodite; The Tro Tro; Sahara Breeze; Bad JuJu; Push Me, Push You.

Personnel

Barry Deister

saxophone, tenor

Paul Mazzio

trumpet

Randy Porter

piano

Tim Gilson

bass

Tim Rapp

drums

Israel Annoh

percussion

Album information

Title: An African Suite | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Trans-Pacific Jazz

PREVIOUS / NEXT

The Collective Organizer: Kyle Knoke
< Previous

Bill Frisell Trio at Bimhuis
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.