Avery Sharpe - Extended Family II Thoughts Of My Ancestors

Review by Steven Mullington

Avery Sharpe's album, Extended Family II: Thoughts Of My Ancestors, is a soulful and moving tribute to his roots and heritage. The album features a collection of ten original compositions, each inspired by Sharpe's personal experiences and reflections on his ancestors.

The album opens with the track "Mother Africa," a beautiful and haunting tribute to the continent that is the birthplace of humanity. Sharpe's bass playing is powerful and emotive, and his band provides a lush and evocative backdrop for his melodies.

Throughout the album, Sharpe explores themes of family, identity, and spirituality, drawing on a range of musical influences from jazz to African rhythms. The track "Song For My Father" is a touching tribute to Sharpe's dad, who passed away in 2015, while "Grandma's House" is a nostalgic and heartfelt ode to Sharpe's childhood home.

Sharpe's bandmates on the album include pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs, drummer Yoron Israel, and saxophonist Craig Handy, among others. The musicianship on display is top-notch, with each player bringing their own unique voice and personality to the music.

Summary by Steven Mullington

Extended Family II: Thoughts Of My Ancestors is a deeply personal and moving album that showcases Sharpe's talents as a bassist, composer, and bandleader. It is a testament to the power of music to connect us to our past and to each other.