A Mumbai Of The Mind: Ferlinghetti Improvisations by Cartwright/Oppenheim

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World Fusion

7 tracks | 50 minutes

Released May 2004
on Harriton Carved Wax

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Original ragas, American style. Spontaneous melodies on poetry from Lawrence Ferlinghetti's "A Coney Island of the Mind." Sax, voice, unconventionally-tuned Indian drums. "Spectacular" (WEMU), "Compelling" (AllMusic Guide).

Editorial review

Recorded in Bombay, India in 2000 and in New York City in 2001, but not released until 2004, this unusual tribute to the poetry of Lawrence Ferlinghetti is navigated lovingly and respectfully by the talented team of vocalist Katharine Cartwright and saxophonist Richard Oppenheim, backed by a compelling assortment of Indian percussion. Of the major Beat figures, Ferlinghetti's early writings are among the most accessible and coherent, and in this case, Cartwright articulates his lines with a crisp, clear tone so that every word can be understood easily. Each of the poems is from Ferlinghetti's seminal Coney Island of the Mind, and Oppenheim's lyrical sax intertwines seductively as his Paul Desmond-like sound seems to always hit the mark. The co-leaders take chances, too, by pushing edges and blowing slightly dissonantly. The power of the words leaves a pleasurably disturbing residue and the Indian percussion, including the tabla, mridangam, kanjeera, morsing, and ghatham, imparts a soothing aftertaste. The ambiguity and inherent inconsistencies are something Ferlinghetti would appreciate, and they add to the aura of the recording. There is a professional air due to Cartwright's solid intonation and luculent if somewhat formal delivery. Some might perceive a whiff of stiffness, though it is largely mitigated by Oppenheim's relaxed lines and the dreamy, insistent sounds of Eastern percussion. This is an album to savor, a rare, successful gathering of contrasts. That it works as well as it does is a tribute to the joint vision and persistence of {Cartwright} and Oppenheim. ~ Steven Loewy, All Music Guide

Bio / Background

"The old cliché 'you can't get there from here' is sonically refuted in Katchie Cartwright and Richard Oppenheim's unique take on Mumbai. Starting in India, traveling through American jazz and the avant-garde and returning to India in new and unexpected ways, A Mumbai of the Mind is not your typical Indo-Jazz fusion album, but rather an unexpected synthesis that is greater than the sum of its parts." - Frank Oteri, NewMusicBox

"An album to savor, a rare, successful gathering of contrasts ... compelling ... Oppenheim's lyrical sax intertwines seductively as his Paul Desmond-like sound seems to always hit the mark." (4 1/2 stars, AMG pick) - Steven Loewy, AllMusic Guide

"Spectacular. I want to listen again and again, it holds so much depth and substance, plus it's fun. ... Something to be said for not playing it safe, as far too many do." - Michael Nastos, WEMU

"A beautifully expressive voice ...