John Carter: Dauwhe

John Carters masterwork, the five-volume Roots and Folklore: Episodes in the Development of American Folk Music, traces the evolution of contemporary urban music through the history of African-Americans and the legacy of slavery. Carter names Dauwhe, the title track of the first volume, for an ancient African goddess of happiness; the dedication is loving, but the music rings ominous. The ensemble blends are strikingwith the purr of bowed bass and tuba; and clash of cornet and flutenot to mention the eerie ambience of Peraltas scraped waterphone, and the leaders shrieking clarinet. Miranda and Jeffery hurtle along with a free-bop swing that suggests the influence of Ornette Coleman, Carters childhood friend in Fort Worth.