Charlie Haden and the Liberation Music Orchestra - Live in Montreal (Montreal Jazz Festival)

Latin American songs and leftist tunes from a jazz band? Bassist Charlie Haden and his Liberation Music Orchestra brilliantly mix politics with improvisation on this star-studded, hour-long live date recorded in July 1992 at the Montreal Jazz Festival. This inspired and innovative 13-piece ensemble features tenor saxophonists Joe Lovano and Javon Jackson, drummer Bill Stewart, trumpeter Ryan Kisor, and trombonist Robin Eubanks. The music is passionate and poetic, thanks to the evocative arrangements by Carla Bley. The selections include "Dream Keeper," which derives its title from a Langston Hughes poem; a heartfelt rendering of the African National Congress anthem "Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika"; a collection of traditional Latin American cancións; a Spanish Civil War song; and Haden's moving "Spiritual." Haden's big bass tones ring through to this enthusiastic audience. In the DVD's bonus interview, Haden outlines the musical philosophy that has kept him going all of these years. --Eugene Holley Jr.