Daniel Freedman - Imagine That (2016/2019) [Hi-Res]

One of the most in-demand drummers in New York – tapped by Angélique Kidjo, Sting and Anat Cohen – Daniel Freedman presents his third album as a leader, the rhythmically infectious Imagine That. The release draws on a world of music: tune-rich originals that channel African, Middle Eastern, Latin and Indian grooves, as well as an astoundingly fresh version of a rarely covered Radiohead song (“Codex”).

Freedman, born and bred in New York City, leads an international quintet that features guitarist-vocalist Lionel Loueke (from Benin), keyboardist Jason Lindner (Brooklyn), bassist Omer Avital (Israel) and percussionist Gilmar Gomes (Brazil). Benin-born vocal star Angélique Kidjo, with whom Freedman has toured the world as drummer in her band, sings “Baby Aya,” a dancing lullaby he wrote for his infant daughter. Imagine That is the follow-up to Freedman’s 2012 Anzic album, Bamako by Bus, which garnered his band a showcase live on NPR.

"If Imagine That feels like truly international music, just peruse it's personnel . . . Despite the players' passports, the rhythms drawn up don't clash but rather find commonalities . . . what might seem disparate on paper becomes the town square in their hands." (Jeff Tamarkin, JazzTimes, Editor's Pick)

"The resulting 'family' vibe is unmistakable in this intimate, lyrical and uplifting set of world-groove jazz that also encompasses rock and R&B elements. Another benchmark for this enlightened and exceptionally musical drummer." (Jeff Potter, Modern Drummer Magazine)

"A recording full of lovely surprises ... Freedman has succeeded in creating an environment for the players that allows them to speak in their own sensitively expressive languages but also complement each other to become that most special thing-a group with a voice." (Donald Elfman, The NYC Jazz Record)

Lionel Loueke, guitar, vocals
Jason Lindner, piano, keyboards
Omer Avital, bass, oud (3)
Gilmar Gomes, percussion
Daniel Freedman, drums
Angélique Kidjo, vocals (2)