Junius Paul: Ism

Richard Gehr on January 30, 2020
Junius Paul: Ism

Chicago bassist and tights enthusiast Junius Paul delivers a wide-screen jazz experience on Ism (International Anthem). His impressive solo debut kicks off with “You Are Free to Choose,” a blast of free playing that clears the slate for a double-album blending post-bop energy and the sort of African spiritualism heralded by Paul’s latest team, the Art Ensemble of Chicago. Drummer-sampler Makaya McCraven, in whose band Paul also plays, works his signature editing magic on the 19-minute jazz odyssey “Spocky Chainsey Has Re-Emerged” and the nearly 12-minute “Paris,” which ratchets up to a driving club-friendly groove. Second City jazz stalwarts Vincent Davis (drums), Justin Dillard (piano) and Corey Wilkes (horns) help turn Ism into a prism.