Melissa Aldana | Echoes of The Inner Prophet Review

by Illiam Sebitz

Melissa Aldana’s Echoes of The Inner Prophet is her seventh as a bandleader and her second with the venerable Blue Note Records. The eight songs navigate the interplay between individual journey and collective experience, showcasing Aldana’s talents as a saxophonist and composer. Joined by an ensemble of like-minded artists — Lage Lund on guitar, Fabian Almazan on piano, Pablo Menares on bass, and Kush Abadey on drums — Aldana embarks on a spiritual and musical exploration that pays homage to the past while firmly planting its feet in the present.

The album’s genesis lies in Aldana’s introspective reckoning with her personal and artistic path. Echoes of The Inner Prophet has a narrative arc tracing Aldana’s evolution through the lens of her “inner prophet.” As Aldana explains, this concept represents a more mature self, one that possesses the knowledge, intuition, and truth necessary to navigate her journey. Such introspection could easily veer into solipsism, but Aldana’s project is deeply communal, celebrating the synergy within her quintet. This group has not just grown together musically; they have discovered a collective voice that stands out in today’s jazz landscape.

The album’s dedication tracks, especially the poignant title track in homage to Wayne Shorter, bridge personal gratitude and artistic tribute. This track finds Aldana tapping into a space of deep emotion without succumbing to sentimentality. Shorter’s influence permeates the album, not through imitation but through a shared commitment to innovation, surprise, and the evocative use of musical space. Much like Shorter’s, Aldana’s compositions and improvisations challenge the listener while maintaining a magnetic allure, a balance that elevates the album beyond mere technical showcase to a work of profound artistic expression.

Echoes of The Inner Prophet unfolds with a series of compositions demonstrating the quintet’s remarkable cohesion and Aldana’s singular vision. From the opening homage to the spirited interplay of “Unconscious Whispers,” the album traverses a broad emotional and musical landscape. Aldana and Almazan shine, delivering performances that are at once intense and nuanced, while Lund’s contributions, especially on tracks like “A Story,” add a textural richness that complements Aldana’s saxophone lines beautifully. Menares and Abadey provide a rhythmic foundation that is both solid and supple, allowing the music to flow freely.

Aldana’s saxophone work throughout the album is presented with her identifiable tone, rich and expressive, speaking in a myriad of shades, from the contemplative to the exuberant. Her solos use technical feats to build narratives, weaving melodic and harmonic stories together. The interplay between Aldana and her bandmates, particularly with Lund’s guitar, creates moments of inspiring gorgeousness and intricacies.

Overall, Echoes of The Inner Prophet captures Aldana at her best to date, showing her forward-looking approach that is reflective without being nostalgic and advanced without being esoteric. As such, Echoes of The Inner Prophet is a milestone in Aldana’s career and a profound statement from a musician who has not only found her path but invites us all to join her on the journey.

Echoes of The Inner Prophet

Release Date: April 5, 2024

Label: Blue Note Records

About the author

Illiam Sebitz

Born and raised in a picturesque European village, my fondness for music began during my formative years, when the charismatic tones of the recorder first filled the halls of my primary school. This early fascination escalated into my lifelong pursuit of embracing the melodious charm of the flute; I have even spent time refining my skills at a music conservatoire. As a seasoned music connoisseur, I find myself captivated by the multifaceted world of music. I enjoy writing music reviews to better enable me to explore genres as diverse as world, rock, jazz, classical, folk, and film music, each offering a unique auditory journey that enriches my life and intellect.

In my spare moments, you'll likely find me meticulously crafting my latest woodworking project, sharpening my skills with flute etudes, or inventing tales of fantasy through the art of creative writing. My eclectic interests and expertise harmonize to create a symphony of passion and curiosity that resonates within every aspect of my life as a music enthusiast.