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E.J. Strickland: In This Day

By Mark F. Turner
May 20, 2009
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For those familiar with E.J. Strickland, the anticipated In This Day is well worth the wait. A striking young drummer/composer, he is well-known for his brilliant work as a member of

Ravi Coltrane

saxophone, tenor
b.1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Ravi Coltrane's premier quartet and with other artists, including his twin brother, saxophonist

Marcus Strickland

clarinet, bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Marcus Strickland. With agile omni-directional traps and emotive playing in the spirit of patriarchs such as

Elvin Jones

drums
1927 - 2004

" data-original-title="" title="">Elvin Jones and current firebrands like

Eric Harland

drums
b.1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Eric Harland, Strickland shows his mettle as a leader and gives life to his musical visions on this debut.

Between recordings and touring with other bands including

Cassandra Wilson

vocals
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Cassandra Wilson, and

" data-original-title="" title="">George Colligan, Strickland found time to headline his own groups in New York City. Fruitful gigs ripe with inventive ideas gave birth to this release, which showcases a first-call quintet of new heavies—brother Marcus (tenor sax),

Jaleel Shaw

saxophone, alto
b.1978

" data-original-title="" title="">Jaleel Shaw (alto sax),

Hans Glawischnig

bass
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Hans Glawischnig (bass), and

Luis Perdomo

piano
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Luis Perdomo (piano), along with many special guests.

From start to finish, Strickland's well-conceived ideas blossom: hard-bopping swing in "Abandoned Discovery"; the heart-pulse of the motherland in "Asante," reminiscent of

Randy Weston

piano
1926 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Randy Weston's African Rhythms; meditative spoken word by Cheray O'Neal ("Eternal" and "In Faith"); and Afro-Cuban influences and contemporary rhythms ("Angular Realms") that are prismatic beams of the drummer's depth and influences.

Strickland is not just a superior player but also a careful listener and composer, allowing not only his quintet but others to shine, such as Pedro Martinez on his infectious djembe, which flows in harmony with

Tia Fuller

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Tia Fuller's beautiful flute and Glawischnig's affective bass on the gorgeous "Illusions." It segues perfectly into "Robin," where harpist Brandee Younger and guitarist

David Gilmore

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">David Gilmore share a poignant introduction.

Whether it is cyclonic sessions, lush ballads, or spiritual musings, the set has a unique personality that is wide-ranging, logical, and at times brilliant. A very noteworthy debut from the equally talented, other Strickland brother, E.J.

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Track Listing

Abandoned Discovery; Asante; Eternal (intro); Eternal; Pedrito's Prelude; New Beginning's; In Faith; In This Day; Angular Realms; Find Myself; Wrong Turn; Illusions; Robin (intro); Robin Fly Away.

Personnel

E.J. Strickland

drums

E.J. Strickland: drums; Jaleel Shaw: alto sax; Hans Glawischnig: acoustic and electric basses; Luis Perdomo: piano, keyboards; David Gilmore: guitar (9, 13); Pedro Martinez: congas, djembe (2, 5, 6, 12); Yosvany Terryl: tenor sax, chekere, bell (6); Charenee Wade: vocals (3); Cheray O'Neal-Mamazun: spoken word (3, 7); Tia Fuller (12); Brandee Younger: harp (13).

Album information

Title: In This Day | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Strick Muzik

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