Yesterday
Today is Cedric Napoleon's first solo album and represents a new beginning for the
renowned jazz bassist, an opportunity to interpret the songs that have inspired
him throughout his long musical journey.
"This
is a long time coming," says Napoleon. "I've been thinking about
arrangements on these songs for quite a while. Now I've finally got the chance
to put them down on wax and hopefully have others feel the same way about these
songs as I do."
For more
than five decades, Cedric Napoleon has dedicated his life to engaging in a
conversation with the music. As a
founding member of the influential jazz ensemble Pieces of A Dream, Cedric has
performed at major venues all over the world. Once the principal bassist for
Grover Washington, Jr., Cedric has recorded for Elektra, Manhattan and Blue
Note Records, and over the course of his career has collaborated with music
legends including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder
and Teddy Pendergrass.
Encompassing
an eclectic array of styles and moods, Napoleon has chosen melodies that
transcend genre. At the heart of each selection is a devotion to groove; the
songs emphasize Napoleon's lithe, sinuous basslines, on both the upright and
electric bass, and the joyful energy of the performances reflects his genuine
love for the material.
"I
believe a great melody can be played in any style or rhythm," says
Napoleon. "That's always been the way I hear music. I was seeking an
opportunity to express my musical versatility through the music of yesterday
and today and these are the songs that made my spirit reach out."
Yesterday
Today reflects Napoleon's personal experiences and charts a path from his early
development as a musician and formal jazz training to his love for classic
R&B and soul. Under producer Donald Robinson's guidance, and featuring
contributions from both Joey DeFrancesco and Najee, each selection is imbued
with Napoleon's signature "Jazz-Soul" flavor.
"Soul
is the feeling of the spirit and jazz is the access to it," explains
Napoleon. "This album has a beautiful spirit, but more importantly I
believe we did the songs justice."
Still,
Napoleon says the song that means the most to him is the album's final track,
an original piece titled "Cedric's Groove," which reflects where he
would like to take his music in the future.
"The
title of the album is Yesterday Today, but there is a 'Tomorrow' implied, I
believe, because there's always a future," says Napoleon. "That's
what 'Cedric's Groove' is all about: tomorrow."
Tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. Yesterday
3. Rock Steady
4. Golden Lady
5. Ordinary People
6. Stella By Starlight
7. My One And Only Love
8. Happy
9. Bridge Over Troubled Waters
10. Just the Two Of Us
11. Cedric's Groove
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