Maria Schneider’s last full set of released works was the masterfully provocative survey of our current society Data Lords and that was back in 2020. But contemporary jazz’s premier big band leader, composer and arranger has hardly sat still since then.
One such post-Data Lords piece is “American Crow,” which you can watch and hear performed in the video above. Originally commissioned by Emory University, Schneider considers “American Crow” a continuation of the spirit of Data Lords in that it’s meant as an artistic portrayal of what has happened to America, namely, the lack of constructive discourse between people holding different viewpoints.
Schneider’s brilliance here — as is typical of her works — is her ability to portray sentiment and complicated emotions not through words but via the power of a jazz orchestra. “American Crow” opens with the tension of a country divided and gently descends into reconsideration, when Mike Rodriguez’s trumpet incantation seems to be longing for a time when people listened to each other.
The majestic horns and the rest of the band discreetly rise up to meet the moment and then bring us back to the virulence of the opening. As the energy dissipates into a suspended state, Jeff Miles’ guitar meekly reprises the theme of the halcyon days.
“American Crow” is available as part of an EP with the same title. Purchase it through ArtistShare here.
| Album Cover | Artist | Title | Format | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Maria Schneider | Data Lords | CD | Purchase Here |
 | Maria Schneider | Evanesence | CD | Purchase Here |
 | Maria Schneider | Allegresse | CD | Purchase Here |
 | Maria Schneider | Coming About | CD | Purchase Here |
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