Reviews

“The power Dixon projects may indeed owe something to her ax. But as she flows through the repertoire that ranges from her own compositions to Abbey Lincoln’s “Throw It All Away”, Sade’s “The Sweetest Taboo” and the spiritual “I’m Gonna Tell God All Of My Troubles,” it’s clear Dixon could make music from sheer depth experience if she were limited to a diddley-bo.”

“Akua Dixon has forged a solid career playing and arranging string sections and with her own innovative recordings. Her latest, “Akua’s Dance,” out Friday on her own Akua’s Music imprint, features unique ensembles and stunning arrangements on a wide range of originals, jazz repertoire and pop tunes.”

“A visage of joyousness fills this album cover. Cellist Akua Dixon, with back arched and eyes closed, can’t contain herself. A knowing smile washes over her face as she bathes in the light with cello in hand. It’s a picture that perfectly illustrates the artist’s place in the moment: Dixon has reached a point of supreme confidence, where percipience permeates her every move and guides her every turn. She doesn’t miss a step on Akua’s Dance.”

“This is an album that is really difficult to sum up to adequately describe in words to do it, and the graft and craft invested in it, justice. The music must speak for itself. It might be a ‘Marmite moment’ for some, but for most it should inspire and stimulate, stoking the fires of inner most passions and emotions, and at the very least; greatly impress for the sheer quality of the musicianship and pushing of the jazz envelope. Bravo.”

“All of Dixon’s recordings are equally stirring and spirited which the accomplished cellist/violinist infuses with her characteristic brilliance and charisma. Akua’s Dance is not an exception. In addition, it is, perhaps, her most cohesive and most polished work to date.”

“Dixon plays the violin like a cellist, emphasizing long, slow lines and never going for fast, showy solos. This gives the music a stateliness that risks turning it into chamber jazz, but Lewis’ drumming keeps it swinging.”

“Certainly music for grown ups and anyone who wants to be one, breath taking is an easy way to describe this fine outing. Well done throughout.”

“Akua Dixon is the dean of jazz cello…As string music goes in 2016, in any style of music, it doesn’t get any more impactful than this.”

“When an artist has shown she can do just about everything, it’s always interesting to see what she does when she has the opportunity to turn her focus to her own projects. That’s what cellist, composer and singer Akua Dixon is doing these days.”

“The important cellists, of whom Akua Dixon is surely one, are almost by definition incredible thinkers (in the non-verbal medium of notes). The most important of these inspire thought in their listeners. Akua’s Dance triggered in this one a series of musings on the nature of maturity, musical and otherwise.”

“On Akua’s Dance, Ms. Dixon employs two different, but equally brilliant trios to accompany her lush and jazzy cello. Victor Lewis is the constant between the two, and displays throughout this album the usual inimitable taste, sensitivity and drive for which he is known. But, it is Ms. Dixon who is the brightest star in this constellation of stellar artists with her masterful playing and vocals (check out “Throw It Away”). With this album of beautiful, moving and heartfelt music, Ms. Dixon steps out front as one of the most interesting musician/composers on the scene!”

“An excellent outing!”

“hot-jazz edge and improvisational brio.”

“a beautiful, sometimes exquisite recording”

“Akua Dixon boldly goes where few practitioners of the cello have gone.” “This brilliantly conceived and executed musical endeavor is really worth checking out.”

“The arrangements are effective and languidly jazzed in a beautiful way…If you revel in the possibilities of what string ensembles bring to the music and crave more of it, here is the place to be.”

“the cellist paints her music with a tremendous colour palette and a poetic sweep in every bar gilded with changes of voicing and inner lines that evoke intimations of baroque splendour swirling in the blues.”

“Akua Dixon … plays a resonant and beautiful cello and in addition wrote all the arrangements on this warm and often fascinating recording. … A rare talent both as player and arranger.”

“an album that oozes excitement, style, and harmonic swing.”

“Highly recommended.”

“The real highlight is ‘A Gozar Con Mi Combo’ by the great bassist Cachao Lopez, a murderously swinging Cuban descarga in which John Blake, Regina Carter, Ina Paris, and bassist Kenny Davis take a delirious round of contrasting bowed or plucked solos. This is the finest moment of a very strong set.”

“A solid bet for anyone that ever wanted to hear more jazz from Leonard Bernstein, this pro knows how to hit to all fields and make it all come out right.”

“enthralling…sparkles with life…charms the ears from the start”

“a dazzling string conclave that surveys the cellist/composer/arranger’s expansive stylistic reach.”

“Simple elegance…” “a fresh and vibrant approach” “arranged with great care and executed with even greater success.” “Akua Dixon is certainly a pioneer and visionary in her own right” “A tremendous recording that richly deserves serious consideration by critics across the globe.”

“Akua Dixon is the most accomplished cellist in jazz history. Her brand new for 2015 recording on her very own Akua’s Music label adds to her impressive list of accomplishments and to her living legacy.”

“lively, classy renditions of jazz standards”

“a very worthwhile listen”

“she most certainly will chart her own course as one of the leading lights of the cello in any form of music with her compositions on that instrument as well as with her astounding virtuosity as well.”