Lakecia Benjamin: Phoenix

On the heels of her acclaimed tribute to John and Alice Coltrane, 2020’s Pursuance: The Coltranes, alto saxophonist-composer Lakecia Benjamin delivers another potent offering in Phoenix, her fourth album as a leader and debut for the London-based Whirlwind Recordings. Produced by drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, Phoenix finds Benjamin pushing the envelope on her already expansive scope. Her pungent lines—tonally reminiscent of Hank Crawford or Maceo Parker but with the harmonically subversive intent of Eric Dolphy—blend tightly on the frontline with trumpeter Josh Evans on tunes like “New Mornings,” the forcefully grooving title track, the angular and Dolphy-esque midtempo swinger “Basquiat,” and the up-tempo burner “Moods.” Politically tinged tracks like the edgy “Amerikkan Skin” (featuring recitation by activist Angela Davis) and “Peace Is a Haiku Song/Blast” (with iconic 88-year-old poet, civil rights activist and Black Arts Movement pioneer Sonia Sanchez) strongly reflect her own personal conscientious beliefs. The modal workout “Trane” is a holdover from her previous Coltrane tribute. And the lovely “Mercy,” underscored by E.J. Strickland’s mellow “Poinciana” beat and enhanced by string quartet, features the glorious and soulful vocals and nimble scatting of guest Dianne Reeves.