ロバート・グラスパー、テラス・マーティン、カマシ・ワシントン、ナインス・ワンダーからなる世紀のスーパーユニット、ディナー・パーティーのセルフ・タイトルのファースト・アルバム『Dinner Party』とそのリミックス『Dinner Party: Dessert』(ともに2020年)が、なんと2アルバム in 1CDにて待望のCD化!

アルバム『Black Radio III』でグラミー賞を受賞したロバート・グラスパー、そのグラスパーの初めの4枚のアルバムをプロデュースするなど5度もグラミー賞にノミネートされているテラス・マーティンの2人が中心となり、そこに『The Epic』、『Harmony of Difference』、『Heaven and Earth』と続けて名作を発表してきたサックス奏者のカマシ・ワシントンと、これまでジェイ・Z、ケンドリック・ラマー、アンダーソン・パックらのプロデュースを手掛けてきたヒップホップ・プロデューサーのナインス・ワンダーが加わるという世紀のスーパーユニット、ディナー・パーティー。2023年『コーチェラ・フェスティバル』出演～ここ日本では『LOVE SUPREME JAZZ FESTIVAL JAPAN 2023』(埼玉県・秩父)でのヘッド・ライナーでの来日と、世界中のミュージック・ラヴァーを沸かせている彼らの2020年のファースト・アルバム『Dinner Party』とそのリミックス『Dinner Party: Dessert』が2アルバム in 1CDにて待望のCD化!『Dinner Party: Dessert』にはハービー・ハンコック、スヌープ・ドッグが参加!

発売・販売元 提供資料 （2023/07/20）

An elevator pitch on behalf of this quartet might begin by mentioning the musicians shared Kendrick Lamar credentials, their vital roles in the progression of jazz, R&B, and rap, and 11 combined Grammy nominations at the time of this EPs arrival. But no such appeal is necessary when the principal figure, Terrace Martin, can simply release the recordings through his Sounds of Crenshaw label. Featuring saxophonist/keyboardist Martin, pianist Robert Glasper, beatmaker 9th Wonder, and saxophonist Kamasi Washington, Dinner Party has the informal, relaxed, and communal qualities implied by the title. The recurrent presence of Phoelix, a lyricist/vocalist credited on Glasper and Martins R+R=Now project and assorted crucial works out of his native Chicago, adds verbal conversation, covering police brutality, weariness, pride, and romance. Washington complements Phoelix with supportive playing in a similarly tender fashion, even as he swoops and flutters over the beatific trance groove of "First Responders" and the bobbing "The Mighty Tree." The first of those two tracks and the tone-setting "Sleepless Nights" contain two of 9ths most tranquil and transporting drum patterns, while the producers sampling prowess is at its sneaky finest on the grainier "Freeze Tag," repurposing a memorable moment from The Boondocks. Least conspicuous of all is Glasper, so low profile and nuanced at times that he can be mistaken for a sampled element. Facilitator Martin steps to the front only for the closing "LUV U," a smooth vocoder ballad that can be heard as a make-up sequel to his earlier 2020 solo single "Lies." The brief set overall evokes some of the same feelings as 9ths Black Radio Recovered remix of "Afro Blue," Kendricks "These Walls," and much of Martins Velvet Portraits, all connected and nutritive recordings offering solace and strength. Theres no crosstalk, just completed thoughts. [A mere three months after the EP was released, Dinner Party: Dessert was served up with an alternate version of each track featuring an additional voice or two. In the case of "The Mighty Tree," an inspired Rapsody verse is trailed by an interjection from Herbie Hancocks piano. The track undergoing the most significant makeover is "First Responders," overlaid with a triumphant verse from TDE president Punch and additional seasoning from Bilal. Dinner Party: Dessert was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Progressive R&B Album. In 2024, the two EPs were finally made available on compact disc, combined in no-frills fashion as Dinner & Dessert.] ~ Andy Kellman

Rovi