ALBUM REVIEW: Godwin Louis Compels in Psalms & Proverbs
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
Album Cover: Godwin Louis’ “Psalms and Proverbs”.
Our spotlight is on Godwin Louis's compelling sophomore album "Psalms and Proverbs," where we will take the time to break down its various tracks in detail. We will engage in a thoughtful discussion about the impressive organ masterpiece featured in the collection, highlighting its profound intensity and the deep thoughts his musical influences evoke throughout the listening experience.
ALBUM REVIEW
Based on my deep and attentive listening of Godwin Louis's album "Psalms and Proverbs,” I can confidently conclude that the diverse musical influences found throughout the album, as well as the various artistic collaborations featured within it, are intricately woven into the overall theme and message that the artist is trying to convey.
African and Haitian influences: Several tracks prominently feature traditional African and Haitian beats, rhythms, and distinctive instrumentation. This musical choice not only reflects Godwin Louis's own roots but also highlights the album's strong connection to his rich cultural heritage and experiences, particularly through his collaborative work with artists in Togo.
Meditative and prayerful elements: The organ opening of “Pwoblem Yo” (track 4) serves as convincing evidence of his deep church upbringing, while other tracks such as "Psalm 121" and the various sections of "Psalm 23" offer a meditative and prayerful quality. . This suggests a pervasive spiritual and reflective theme that resonates deeply throughout the entire album. The lead single single Showers of Blessings/ Kplolanyuiade brings listeners to the church with an offering a jazzy and joyful melange of sounds inspired by hymns and other religious songs from the Caribbean and West Africa. Personally, it is reminiscent of the depth behind John Coltane’s ‘The Creator has a Masterplan’.
Blending of genres: The album skillfully blends a variety of genres, seamlessly incorporating elements of jazz, blues, rock, and carnival-like sounds. This rich diversity reflects the album's broad appeal and its ability to reach a wide range of listeners from different musical backgrounds, whether they are fans of jazz, gospel, Latino, African music, or world music.
New York influence: Tracks 11 and 12 distinctly highlight the album's connection to the vibrant New York jazz scene, thereby adding yet another significant layer of cultural influence. One cannot help but notice Godwin's upbringing in Harlem resonating prominently throughout the journey of “Psalms and Proverbs.”
Band Group photo (photo credit Blue Room Music)
The album features Louis on alto and soprano saxophone, Billy Buss on trumpet and flugelhorn, pianist Axel Tosca, organist Johnny Mercier, drummer Obed Calvaire, percussionist Markus Schwartz, bassist Hogyu Hwang and Trinidad-born trumpet star Etienne Charles.
Overall, I would assert that the diverse musical influences displayed by Godwin Louis in "Psalms and Proverbs" significantly contribute to a rich and multifaceted album that genuinely celebrates the artist's cultural heritage, spiritual journey, and impressive artistic versatility. Ultimately, this creative work serves to uplift and bless the listener in meaningful ways, as I experienced it.
About the artist
The Grammy-nominated Godwin Louis (pronounced god-win lou-ee) is a celebrated saxophonist and composer. He was born in Harlem, New York to Haitian parents and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut and in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He is a professor at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston and also teaches at the summer music camps of the Connecticut jazz nonprofit Back Country Jazz. “Psalms and Proverbs” is Louis’s follow-up to his debut “Global”, released in 2019. The album is available internationally through the Blue Room Music label
MESSENGERS S4
Discover Godwin Louis in Season 4 of our TV series MESSENGERS, arriving in early 2025. Subscribe to @africarelatedinc for updates.