Radif Suite

iTunes Review

Chicago-born trumpeter and composer Amir ElSaffar, whose father is Iraqi, has studied the Arabic maqam, a system of modes not unlike the Indian raga. Over the last two decades, The Iranian-American saxophonist and composer Hafez Modirzadeh has developed a “chromodal” concept that incorporates the use of dastagh, the Persian modal system. Bassist Mark Dresser and drummer Alex Cline join the pair to play Radif Suite’s two multi-part compositions, Modirzadeh’s “Radif-E-Kayhan” and ElSaffar’s “Copper Suite.” The group often evokes Ornette Coleman’s quartets, especially during Modirzadeh’s piece. On “Facet One,” the horns almost laugh with delight, while on “Facet Two,” Cline and Dresser swing fiercely as ElSaffar and Modirzadeh blow above. Sax and trumpet sustain long tones during the introduction of “Copper Suite;” bowed bass and gong, which Cline deploys effectively at various points on the album, fill out the sound. “Awj / Ancestral Memory” features ElSaffar’s vocals, and Modirzadeh responds with delicate lines on tenor. This album is a must-have for those who follow jazz’s continuing development in the 21st century.