Cover: detail of RED TANGO BLUE by Allie McGhee, 2019
36 x 60 inches, acrylic, enamel on canvas
Courtesy the artist
Photo insert: Skeeter Shelton (left) and Hamid Drake at Trinosophes
Courtesy Leander O’Connell Johnson
“Detroit saxophonist Skeeter Shelton and Chicago percussionist Hamid Drake didn’t know each other before Skeeter was subbed into a duo gig at Trinosophes in 2019, after Hamid’s partner fell ill. Shortly before the performance, it was discovered that Skeeter’s father, Ajaramu Shelton, was Hamid’s drum teacher and mentor at Chicago’s Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. There was an instant bond.” —Two Rooms Records
The under-recognized status of Detroit saxophonist Skeeter Shelton is changing, and this encounter with master percussionist Hamid Drake demonstrates why. Fully improvised by these musicians who had only met and performed together once, a year earlier, it showcases the mature sound, deep creativity and shared pathways of both men. Although they proceeded without a plan, several themes from Skeeter's compositions occur throughout the recording. Hamid's sensitive and often melodic accompaniment completes the impression that rehearsed songs are taking place, when they are, in fact, springboards for ideas happening spontaneously throughout the session.
tracks
1. | We Must Play Music For The Children / Attic |
2. | The Call |
3. | Tru |
4. | Forest Dancer |
5. | Charles Miles |
6. | Like Father Like Son |
7. | Now That I'm Free |
credits
Releases September 10, 2021Skeeter Shelton - Tenor Sax, Folk Flute, Pan Flute
Hamid Drake - Drums and Percussion
All songs by Skeeter CR Shelton except for "Charles Miles" by Charles Miles. Lyrics to "Forest Dancer" by Frank Francisco Garcia
Recorded and Mixed by Joel Peterson
Mastered by Warren Defever
Produced by Two Rooms
Manufactured at Archer Records
Skeeter Shelton, Charlotte Rae Shelton Publishing, ASCAP | Hamid Drake, Smiling Forehead, BMI