Vietnam: The Aftermath

by Billy Bang

Overview

Violinist Billy Bang is equally at home whether performing heady, modern-jazz-style improvisation or when churning out a straightforward swing vibe within mainstream contexts. Here, saxophonist/flutist Sonny Fortune, pianist John Hicks, and others lend their wares to this generally invigorating 2001 production. Based upon his Vietnam War experiences, Bang and associates meld Southeast Asian modalities with Western scales and bouncy swing vamps amid a few tenderly executed ballads. The violinist and tenor saxophonist Frank Lowe engage in some heated dialogue during the hard-driving "Saigon Phunk," while the venerable Lawrence "Butch" Morris conducts the septet on "Bien Hoa Blues." Hence, this program is fabricated upon interweaving Asian undertones, groove-laden rhythms, and the instrumentalists' strong soloing. However, some of the compositions are less memorable than others, although the violinist's steadfast commitment to this deeply personal undertaking cannot be compromised. ~ Glenn Astarita

Product Details

Release Date:	03/26/2002
Label:	Justin Time
UPC:	0068944016525
Rank:	7733

Tracks

1. Yo! Ho Chi Minh Is in the House
2. Moments For the Kiamia
3. Tunnel Rat (Flashlight and a 45)
4. Bien-Hoa Blues
5. Mysterry of the Mekong
6. Fire in the Hole
7. Tet Offensive
8. Saigon Funk

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Billy Bang   Primary Artist,Violin
Frank Lowe   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Sonny Fortune   Guest Artist,Flute
Ron Brown   Guest Artist
Lawrence "Butch" Morris   Guest Artist,Conductor
Curtis Lundy   Guest Artist,Bass
Michael Carvin   Guest Artist,Drums
John Hicks   Piano
Teddy Daniel   Trumpet

Technical Credits

Dick Kondas   Assistant Engineer
Jim Anderson   Engineer
Jim West   Executive Producer
Marty Khan   Liner Notes
Michael Carvin   Photography
Jean-Pierre Leduc   Concept,Producer,Liner Notes
Billy Bang   Photography,Liner Notes,Producer,Composer,Concept
Renee Marc-Aurele   Mastering